Marital Talk

Communication is one of the most important aspects in any relationship, especially marriage.
Here is the definition of communication from http://www.dictionary.com

“Communication:
1. the act or process of communicating; fact of being communicated.
2. the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.
3. something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted.
4. a document or message imparting news, views, information, etc.
5. passage, or an opportunity or means of passage, between places.
6. communications, a. means of sending messages, orders, etc., including telephone, telegraph, radio, and television.
b. routes and transportation for moving troops and supplies from a base to an area of operations.

7. Biology. a. activity by one organism that changes or has the potential to change the behavior of other organisms.
b. transfer of information from one cell or molecule to another, as by chemical or electrical signals ”

I especially like # 7. If you really think about it, our purpose and desire in marriage is often to change the behavior of the other “organism” involved in the relationship. If we are able to effectively communicate, we will not only change the behavior of the other, but have our behavior changed by them also.
Communication is two-fold. It requires talking and listening.
It is easier to talk than to listen- but much more beneficial to listen than to talk. If we are really listening, we make sure we are understanding what is meant by the one talking- otherwise there is no true communication.
Mis-understanding can be avoided if we listen well.
When we really hear what our spouse is saying to us, we may see things in a different light. When we pay attention to them and their desires, it will enable both parties to understand eachother better.
Listening effectively may require asking questions such as: “Did you mean….?”, or “Are you saying…?”
When given the chance to clarify, the speaker may word things in a way that is better understood by the listener.

Here is a good article on communication in marriage. http://www.christianitytoday.com/mp/2007/002/15.17.html

communication, marriage, spouse, talk, listen