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yeah never pass judgement is true. But what do you do if after repeated discussions and explanations in the most loving way your spouse doesn't get it. This is in regard to me and my ex-gf who are not together anymore , I feel like a villan because I did pass judgments regarding her spending habits in our 3 yr relationship. She was very careless about money and every time I would talk to her about it she would tell me she is making an effort but always end up broke. Each discussion would involve her crying and again making me feel like an asshole. This had nothing to do with student loans or other stuff , she just didnt get it. She didn't realize that 3$ here and 20 $ there add up. I got tired of being nice , spending on/for her and watching her still not change even a bit in 3 years. I couldn't help but get angry and pass judgments.
Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz
Building Great Marriages
The “heart of the matter” is this – successfully married couples report a high level of satisfaction with the way they communicate with each other, and they attribute their marital success first and foremost to the fact that they have honed their communication skills over time.
So, what are the lessons we have learned from those couples that communicate really well – that communicate effectively on just about every level. As we poured over our interview notes from thousands of couples, five important actions began to emerge.
1. Effective marital communication always begins with proper engagement and in a proper context. Talking about serious matters cannot occur effectively when dealing with chaos, such as a blaring television, crying baby, etc.
2. There is proper etiquette to follow in effective communication. Lower your voices, speak in a calm manner, make eye contact, listen intently and seek clarification if you don’t understand. Refrain from blaming, accusing, calling names, making nasty remarks or getting defensive.
3. Discussions about serious issues must always begin with agreement about what the issues really are. Work to identify the issue, establish the parameters of the discussion, and agree to solve the problem together.
4. A fruitful conversation about important matters always begins with the brainstorming of ideas. It is important to get your respective ideas out on the table. Talk about the relative strengths and weaknesses of each. Agree on ideas worth exploring.
5. Never, we repeat, never be judgmental when debating issues with your mate. Instantly passing judgment on an idea is usually the death of open and honest debate between two people.
The successfully married couples we have interviewed over the years report to us that they never felt invalidated by their spouse, that they always felt their arguments were heard, and that their opinions always mattered. Learn the simple lessons of communication that these wonderful couples have taught us – and have now taught you!
Simple things matter in love and marriage. Love well.
By Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz
Read the complete article, How to Talk Serious With Your Mate, to learn more about the actions you can take: http://www.simplethingsmatter.com/articles/how_to_talk_serious_with_your...
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