Much ado about communication...

Communication continues to be a major huddle to cross not only in marital relationships but in almost every relationship we find ourselves. You are expected to possess excellent communication skills when you are applying for a job...If you respond in anger at work, you are termed, unprofessional and you are not a team player. If you respond to your friend's nasty comment you are perceived as trouble maker...if your in-law feels disrespected by your tone of voice or comment, you are on the verge of starting war in your home.

Why then do we not take time to check our communication skills?

"Communication works for those who work at it" - John Powell.

What do you do to improve your communication skills so you can avoid unnecessary trouble in your home?. There is a local adage that says; "there is a how of saying hello". Professionals who daily work on the art of communication tells us that body language, intonation and pitch of your voice all play important role in effective communication. When you are talking to someone, is your aim to pass a message across, vent or react negatively to a perception you generally have?. If any of this is the case, then your message will be lost in transit.

When next you intend to correct your spouse, remember that he/she has feelings, emotions,your how of communication can trigger a contrary reaction in them. For peace sake, put the shoe on the foot for a quick second before making any utterance.
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".

If you are having issues in your marriage relationship and the other party has severally complained about the way you talk to them, for you to experience peace, you have to be prepared to learn how to communicate effectively.

Meaning what you say...do your spouse ever complain that you pass mixed messages? That means you are not communicating well. You say something but your actions and body language do not show that you mean what you say. For example, when you agree on responsibilities around the house, do you say things just to appear as if you agree with your spouse? Do you work at improving lapses? You come in late, your spouse is always very worried until she sees you yet, you will always "hang out with the boys after work" and you know that will definitely make you get home late. If you have to hang out with friends, make sure you inform your spouse so they know not to worry...

Agreeing to run errands without letting your spouse know can result to nasty attitude or response. If you have to help someone out, run an errand or attend an impromptu function, then always let your spouse know. Being a person of your word and avoiding tardiness once you have agreed to meet up somewhere all contribute to effective communication.
Effective communication involves selflessness and willingness to hear from the other party. So as we work on how to better communicate, we need to communicate with God to help us out. Ciao and keep working at it.