Effective communication tips for couples

Communication is the bedrock of any successful relationships. It is important that each couple learn how to give the right response regardless of how the statement made by your partner might sound. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

A lot of times, couples get pissed off with each other by the way they respond to spoken words. We can do better if we learn response in the affirmative and not in the combative.

Read the example below to see the wrong and right responses to some statements are common between couples.

Statement: I'll like chicken and chips.

Wrong response: No way! How much did you give to me that you are requesting for such expensive meal

Right response: Okay honey, I will prepare it. I trust you'll give me more money to get it done.

Statement: I bought this on my way; I thought it will be useful.

Wrong response: How much did you buy it? What! That's too expensive

Right response: Thank you; it will indeed be useful. Thanks for the surprise.

Statement: I'm really hungry.

Wrong response: Even I myself have not eaten since morning.

Right response: Sorry dear, let's see if there's something you can manage and enjoy for now.

Statement: I got wounded in kitchen.

Wrong response: I've told you to always be careful with the knife.

Right response: Oh sorry my love let me have a look. You need to be more careful next time.

Statement: Why don't you try this option?

Wrong response: Why is it that you always find fault with what I do?

Right response: Well, I've tried this before and I think it will work. If not, I'll try that.

Statement: I want more food.

Wrong response: Ha-ha, what is your problem, rice has finished, garri has finished, and ingredients are almost finished, and there's no sign of salary yet.

Right response: Sorry dear, please manage that for now; I'll find something nice for you later.

Statement: I can't finish this food.

Wrong response: Ha-ha, why do you like wasting food, things are expensive o; and you can't be wasting food like this. You will eat it tomorrow!

Right response: Should I keep the rest for you, or give it out?

Statement: Haven't you finished cooking the meal?

Wrong response: You are seated there doing nothing and you are asking if I've not finished!

Right response: It will still take a while; can you please lend me a hand?

Statement: Are you okay; is anything the matter with you?

Wrong response: Can't you see yourself; what kind of question is that?

Right response: I'm not feeling fine; I think I need some attention.

Statement: Handle that thing carefully please.

Wrong response: Am I that daft? You will just be instructing me as if I don't have any sense.

Right response: Yes dear, I will.

To have a happy home, you must be strategic in your response. Words are powerful, it can hasten harmony and it can also break a home, it depends on how you make use of it.