Check yourself
When commencing communication with your spouse, remember to look into your own heart. Is it open or closed? Ask yourself, “Am I concerned about your needs or my own?” If you can answer the first question in the affirmative, go ahead, but cautiously, otherwise go back and reevaluate. does not communicate.
Notice that there are more means of communication than just words
We communicate with our whole being. If you are having a bad day, it will show up in everything you say. The same goes for your spouse. Discussing sensitive issues while in a negative state is not a good idea. Wait until both are in the right tune.
Do not think that every negative answer is addressed to you personally
If your wife seems reticent she may not be mad at you exactly. She may be irritated by something the kids did or the lady down the street. Trust her intentions and see her in the best way, not the worst.
Give it space
Everyone should have a little space once in a while to process their emotions. Being a human is a difficult thing and few, perhaps no one, is good at it. Let your wife be human and allow her to deal with her own feelings.
Do not try to correct the situation.
This is a big difference between men and women. If a man talks about his problems, he wants to complain or he wants advice on what to do. When a woman talks about her problems, sometimes it is also just to complain, but often it is because she wants a comforting opinion. Men are not accustomed to this, so they resort to advice on how to solve problems. Women see this as criticism that does not meet their needs. In short: just listen, do not try to correct.
In the end, there is no perfect formula for communication in marriage. The only way to ensure good communication is to be understanding and loving to your spouse. Accept your shortcomings and be willing to take it light.
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