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How to Improve Communication in Marriage

February 16, 2023by Shari Markovich

Do you feel like communication has been lacking in your marriage? Maybe it’s hard to find the right words, or perhaps there is resistance when one of you tries to initiate a conversation. Fortunately, there are practical strategies couples can use to bridge the gap and establish better communication, such as attending couples therapy in Burlington together. In this blog post, we will discuss some helpful tips for improving communication within a marriage.

Set Aside Time to Talk

One of the best ways to improve communication in marriage is to set aside time to talk. This can be difficult to do with busy schedules, but it is important to make time for each other. If possible, set aside a few minutes each day to talk about your day, your thoughts and feelings, and anything else that is on your mind.

Be Willing to Compromise

In any relationship, there will be times when we need to compromise in order to reach a resolution that works for both parties involved. This is especially true in marriage where both spouses need to feel heard and valued. If we’re not willing to compromise, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to improve communication in marriage.

Listen More, Talk Less

Communication is a two-way street. Ask any divorce therapist in Burlington and they’ll tell you that one of the best ways to improve communication in marriage is to simply listen more and talk less. It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and our own thoughts, but it’s important to take the time to really listen to what your spouse is saying. When you truly listen, it shows that you care about them and their thoughts and feelings.

Be Clear and Concise

When you communicate with your spouse, it’s important to be clear and concise. You should avoid beating around the bush or getting sidetracked. Instead, focus on communicating your thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner.

Express Gratitude, Love and Admiration

Couples should remember to show appreciation and affection for one another. Expressing gratitude for each other and taking time to show physical affection can help create a strong bond between the two of you, which in turn will make it easier to talk openly and honestly.

Avoid Criticism

Another tip for improving communication in marriage is to avoid criticism. It is important to be honest with your spouse, but there is a difference between being honest and being critical. When you are critical of your spouse, it can make them feel defensive and less likely to want to communicate with you. Instead, focus on speaking honestly and openly about your thoughts and feelings without attacking them.

Be Patient

Effective communication takes time and effort, so it’s important to be patient as you work on improving communication in marriage. There will be setbacks along the way, but as long as you remain committed to working on your communication skills, you will eventually see progress being made.

Pay Attention to Body Language

One of the best ways to build better communication is by paying attention to your spouse’s body language when they are trying to tell you something. This means not just focusing on what they are saying but understanding their gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and the tone of their voice.

Avoid Distractions from Phones or Social Media

Make sure distractions such as phones, laptops, or social media don’t get in the way of your conversation. Taking time throughout the day to have meaningful conversations without these types of interruptions can help couples build trust and openness.

Get Professional Help if the Problem Persists

If all else fails and the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help by talking to a psychotherapist in Burlington or attending marriage counselling as a couple.

Family Matters Centre offers a unique and comprehensive approach to help you improve communication in your marriage. Our team of marriage counsellors and divorce therapists in Burlington provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs with expertise in
listening and marriage counselling. We understand the complexities of marriage—the highs and lows, successes and struggles—and employ programs that focus on strengthening the bond between spouses so that they can successfully navigate their marital difficulties.

Knowing how to improve communication in marriage is essential for any relationship. If you’re looking for a marriage counsellor near you, specifically in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can also offer teen counselling services in the Hamilton area if poor communication in your marriage is affecting your children or overall family dynamic.

by Shari Markovich

Shari is a Child Therapist who has worked with children and adolescents for more than 20 years. She uses a variety of counselling modalities, including Theraplay®, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems. She is motivated to work with children and parents so families can function in healthy and supportive ways.