Communication (Mutual Understanding)

Is communication the key to a successful marriage? Imagine two people, one fluent in German and the other in Spanish. Without a mutual understanding of each's language, communication is impossible. They just talk louder. Mutual understanding must come first to communicate. On this Collection Page, we will discover the power of love and respect as the languages husbands and wives need to speak. Based on Ephesians 5:33, when a husband speaks love and a wife speaks respect, there is mutual understanding and, thus, communication.

Articles

Why Communication Is NOT the Key to Your Marriage

Someone who only speaks German cannot communicate with someone who only speaks Spanish. Each needs to learn the other's vocabulary. Communication can only happen when there is mutual understanding. Communication is not the key to marriage. Mutual understanding is the key to a successful marriage.

Why Communication Is NOT the Key to Your Marriage

Marriage

3

min read

Basic Principles of Effective Communication

John is a student writing a paper on male and female communication. He emailed me saying, "I would be honored if you would please take a few, brief moments and answer three questions for me."Question #1: In your opinion, what communication breakdowns occur between males and females?

Basic Principles of Effective Communication

Marriage

4

min read

Why Does a Wife Withdraw From Her Husband? [Video]

“Emerson, you say most men don’t want to talk but my wife and I are the opposite when an argument starts. She goes quiet. She won’t engage me in any type of dialogue. She withdraws from the conversation and puts up a barrier to any further discussion. What should I do?” I hear you. When married to someone who stonewalls, “withdrawals” are not worth it! Research reveals in intimate, committed relationships 85% of those who emotionally retreat and refuse to answer are men. That means 15% of the women also withdraw and stonewall.

Why Does a Wife Withdraw From Her Husband? [Video]

Marriage

5

min read

The Number One Problem in Marriage

It's communication, right? As we study letters and emails from thousands of spouses, the common thread that runs through almost all of them is that, in one way or another, the number one problem in marriage is communication …or the lack thereof. I disagree.

The Number One Problem in Marriage

Marriage

4

min read

Time for an Attitude Adjustment (Loyalty and Conquest)

An FBI agent confided in me that the amount of time he spent on his job was causing his wife to complain and question him even though he actually thought he was balancing things “pretty well.” He would get defensive and lash back at her, saying he was trying his best to do a good job and he didn't appreciate her questioning.

Time for an Attitude Adjustment (Loyalty and Conquest)

Marriage

2

min read

How is Your Tone of Voice and Facial Expression?

I have counseled many couples where the wife complains that the husband comes across as harsh and unloving. From her pink perspective, he is frowning with disapproval or sounding stern, even angry.

How is Your Tone of Voice and Facial Expression?

Marriage

2

min read

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

In my last post, I shared how Sarah uses certain hot-button words that can push my buttons – and how I’ve learned to not react so defensively. I hope you took some time to figure out what the hot-button words are in your relationship so you can stop the crazy cycle before it spins out of control! Recognizing where we irritate our spouse – and being willing to do something about it – goes a long way towards improving communication.

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

Marriage

3

min read

Hot-Button Words

In our current series on the Love and Respect Connection, we have addressed the importance of our spoken words – and how men and women perceive the same words differently. This week I want to talk about those hot-button words that can cause trouble in every relationship!