A Little Secret About Communication in Marriage: It's Not Just What You Say, It's How You Say It

Let’s talk about communication in marriage, shall we? If you're doing marriage right, you know that communication is basically the oxygen that keeps the whole thing from suffocating. It's about talking, sure – but it's also about listening, respecting, and throwing in a dash of kindness while you’re at it. After all, if your partner says, “I’m fine,” and you don’t hear the “but I’m really not” underneath it, well… brace yourself.....

Here’s the kicker: marriage isn’t just about having a conversation, it’s about having the right conversation. It's the art of balancing between “Did you pay the bills?” and “I feel really stressed about the bills, can we talk about it?” Because, surprise surprise, it’s not just about what’s being said—it’s about the way it’s said and the intent behind it. Sure, we’ve all had those “Are you even listening to me?” moments, but let’s face it, every marriage has its moments where you need to hit pause, breathe, and then engage with respect.

Let’s throw in a little kindness while we’re at it. You’re not on the same team just because you’re legally bound to be. No, you're on the same team because you want to be. And when you communicate with kindness, it makes those late-night “who’s going to walk the dog” discussions a lot easier. Kindness isn't just about nice words, it’s about the tone you choose, the patience you offer, and the way you show up for your partner even when you're hangry or exhausted.

Respect? Oh, that’s the glue holding it all together. When you communicate with respect, you acknowledge your spouse’s feelings as valid—even when you're having a “Why didn’t you do that thing you said you would?” moment. Respect is about knowing that even when you disagree, your partner’s thoughts and feelings matter. It’s the “I see you, I hear you, and I value you” approach that truly strengthens any conversation, big or small.

The bottom line? Communication is the secret sauce that makes the marriage soup tasty. It’s not just about the talking—it’s about how you talk, with kindness, respect, and understanding. And hey, if you can make each other laugh while you’re doing it? Even better. So next time you feel the tension, try this: Pause. Breathe. Speak kindly. Listen intently!