6 Ways to Encourage Communication Between Your Spouse and Yourself

With so many marriages ending tragically in divorce, it is more important now than it's even been to work on the communication between husband and wife. So many problems escalade when there is no communication, and many problems are resolved when there is communication. I truly believe that communication is the key to a successful marriage and without communication no marriage can survive in this divorce filled world we live in. Read on for some great tips on how to encourage more communication in your marriage.

I think the best way to support a greater amount of communication between a husband and wife is to remove yourselves from the media sources in your home. I'm not suggesting you completely remove the TV, computer, cell phone or radio, but removing yourself physically from these sources for an amount of time. Try to set up time where you and your spouse can separate yourself from the media world to ensure you can have some time to yourselves with no interruption.

TV's and computers are in almost every house today, with multiple appliances spread throughout the home. Kitchens, media rooms, living rooms, family rooms and bedrooms may all have at least one TV or computer in them. By getting away from the media you can focus on each other and have no interruptions. Try to spend at least 15 minutes every day with your spouse away from the media sources in your home. Your communication will greatly improve by forcing you to talk to each other.

Keeping a journal together is also an amazing communication tool for a marriage. A journal as simple as a daily calendar book can remove chaos and confusion from your schedule. Journaling thoughts, actions, desires and your plans with each other will open up a communication line and remove confusion about each other's schedules. You can also communicate by writing down thoughts and asking your spouse to read what you have written. Some people find it much easier to write down feelings than to say them out loud. Keep the journal is a safe place that you visit often.

Eating your meals together is one of the most basic and fundamental ways to communicate in a marriage. Gathering together for any meals that you are able to will greatly improve your communication in a marriage. Even though you may not speak many words during a meal, the time spent together and not apart will provide many more opportunities for effective communication. Eating meals together is a great standard for every family.

Another great time for communication is the evening hours before bed. If you have children, they are most likely asleep by this time so that you will have one less distraction. Closing the day with a nice conversation with your spouse will help you to end each day in a happy note. I also highly recommend praying together before bed, as you generally cannot spend time in prayer with someone you are upset with. This will help you resolve any conflict that has taken place throughout the day that has not been dealt with.

A date night is another key to a happy marriage. It does not have to be often, or expensive. Simply taking some time to remember what your relationship was like while you were dating will greatly encourage communication. Reminiscing together will bring up many fond memories and feelings. Even if you don't have children yet, setting up a date night can be lots of fun and be a memorable occasion.

One last note is to be sure you are aware of your communication in your marriage. You need to be conscience of the amount of communication you need and how much your spouse needs. Even if you feel that everything is ok, your spouse may not. Communicating is the only way to share feelings and resolve conflict. By always being conscious of maintaining a healthy communication level in your marriage you will resolve conflict more effectively and in less time.

The more time you spend communicating with your spouse, the more quality time you will enjoy together. Having unfound feelings or emotions can cause a marriage to crumble quickly. Always communicate with your spouse each day and be sure that you are both in tune with how the other is feeling!