Are You Really Listening to Your Spouse?by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 31 May 2009 01:20 PM When you have been married a long time, your spouse can something feel like a comfortable sweater that fits just right and never needs any extra attention to adjust it. One of the downsides to this is that sometimes we really aren't listening to our spouses when they talk. Back when you were dating or first married, I bet you held on to each syllable that your dear one uttered. You learned about your spouse this way, and were eager to discuss all sorts of things such as the philosophy of life. But once a few years goes by, are you listing well to your spouse when he or she comes in to the room to discuss the day? You may be hearing the words, but are you really listening to the details about that new project at work or what the neighbor said this morning? What is the meaning behind the talk. Is there something new that you can learn about your spouse from even the mundane discussions. For example, your spouse may need reassurance that he has what it takes to compete effectively at work. Or she may be looking for advice on what to do about a fair weather friend. When you spouse speaks, you should give him or her your full attention. The television should be off or at the very least muted, and you eyes and body should be turned toward your spouse. You want to send the message that you are really listening, and then you should really listen. There are so many needs that a conversation fills. A conversation can sort through ideas and problems. It can teach you new things about yourself, your spouse or the world. A conversation is a way of having your thoughts and concerns heard and supported, and a conversation is a way to be connected with another person. So many issues in marriage can be traced back to poor communication. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: How Facebook Could be Bad for Your Marriage Attack the Issue, Not Each Other The Gift of Unconditional Acceptance For a Good Marriage, Avoid the Story Telling
Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantmarriage tags User Comments  Dale Harcombe (10399) 31 May 2009 01:24 PMTrue, Mary Ann, it's important to keep the communication open and alive and not drift into the too comfy zone.' Community Tags insane wife, jekyl/hyde wife Discuss this article
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