Communication for couples

A practical strategy to use with your partner when understanding each other is challenging.

• Remain calm- slow down and pause when speaking (or take a break if required). 

• One person speaks at a time- no cross talk. 

• Share your perspective- each person speaks about their own feelings and points of view; it is not about blame or judgment of the other.  

• Use I statements- I feel/I think……… because…………. 

• Seek to understand the other’s perspectives and feelings- Let go of the need to agree or ‘fix’.