Virtuous Communication Is Key to Successful Marriages

Virtuous Communication Is Key to Successful Marriages
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A lack of communication is a common cause of stress in many relationships. Everyone has their own needs and desires in life. If you aren’t able to communicate them, you won’t get what you want out of your relationship.

The ability to communicate is a desirable quality in a partner. It’s how we grow in love and build a successful marriage.

When you open the doors of communication in relationships, you are able to get to know one another on a deeper level. You’re able to open up about life, sex, and prevent any issues you’re having from festering into resentment. 

Many couples may think that because they talk often, that means they are communicating with one another, but this isn’t so. There are several qualities needed for healthy communication. Here are 9 reasons why virtuous communication is key to successful marriages.

  1. Take the First Step

A total of 431 couples, married on the average of just under five years, participated in a communication study. The results found that when communicating openly with one another, couples reported higher levels of marital satisfaction

Communicating doesn’t always come naturally to couples. Some fear being open and honest with one another, while others are often tempted to interrupt or correct a partner during a disagreement. 

Instead of worrying about being vulnerable with your spouse, why not take the first step?

Don’t wait for your partner to take the first step. Take the initiative to model respectful communication with your spouse. You’ll find your partner will quickly follow suit with respectful listening and honest communication.

  1. Be Honest

In order to have healthy communication in relationships, you must be willing to speak your mind honestly.

This can be difficult, especially if you are about to admit something unpleasant. Perhaps you feel attracted to someone outside of your marriage, aren’t being pleasured sexually by your spouse, or are feeling bored in your relationship. 

These aren’t pleasant things to bring up with your spouse. You certainly don’t want to hurt their feelings. But the only way you’re going to learn and grow in your marriage is if you are open about the issues you are having.

By being honest and upfront with your partner, you will be able to conquer relationship issues before they turn into giant problems.

  1. Listen with Genuine Interest

Learning to be active listeners is one of the ways couples create a successful marriage.

Listening is a large part of successful communication in relationships. You can’t understand your partner’s point of view or resolve the issues you’re having if you don’t know what they are saying. 

Be an active listener by allowing your spouse to speak their mind without interruption and show genuine interest in what they’re saying. This shows that you’re trying to empathize with your partner, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.

Listening respectfully also puts your partner at ease. It makes it easier for them to get their point across without rushing or worrying that you’re going to jump in before they can finish their thought.

  1. Repeat Partner’s Key Points

Restating your spouse’s feelings back to them is an empathetic way of showing them you heard what they said. Plus, it will help them kindly correct you, if you didn’t correctly grasp what they were trying to say to you. This can help prevent pesky misunderstandings.

  1. Spend Quality Time Together

Spending quality time together will help improve communication in relationships.

Date night is a great way to spend quality time with your spouse.

Studies show that couples who regularly participated in date night renewed ‘puppy love’ in their relationships, boosted libidos, and significantly improved communication skills. Plus, it’s fun.

Choose one night a week (or every other week) where you get together with your spouse for a romantic evening together. You can spend your night at home with a glass of wine or out on the town.

Whatever you do, make sure you are able to have quality time together talking and connecting. Binging your favorite TV show may be relaxing, but it certainly shouldn’t be considered a date night.

  1. Schedule Media-Free Time

Studies show that cell phone addiction can cause depression.

Furthermore, research done by Baylor University found that out of 308 adults, 46.3% felt their partner would rather play on their smartphone than engage with them. The result found that participants felt ignored by their partner.

Not only is this hurtful to a spouse, but feeling ignored or unappreciated can lead to low self-esteem or straying outside the marriage. 

Show your partner you love and respect them by putting your smartphone down and turning off the television/computer/radio when you’re spending time together, especially if you are trying to communicate about something important.

  1. Make Eye-Contact

Eye-contact is a small but significant way you can assure your partner you’re communicating with them. Hold their gaze as they speak to show them that you’re not interested in anything else going on in the room.  

  1. Express Positive Feelings Often

A successful marriage blooms when partners learn to solve problem maturely. But, resolving arguments isn’t the only way you should be communicating with your partner. Don’t be afraid to communicate about positive topics, as well. 

Studies show that one of the highest predictors in increased relationship satisfaction were marriages where partners expressed appreciation and gratitude toward one another.

  1. Sit Still

If you are the type of person who likes to pace around while you’re on the phone or in conversation, try to resist this urge while communicating with your partner.

By sitting still and engaging your partner, you show that you’re open to conversation and interested in what they are saying.

Communication is a positive quality to have in a marriage. When you speak your mind, listen intently, and give your spouse your undivided attention, you deepen your love for one another and strengthen your marriage. Building healthy communication in relationships will help you have a successful marriage.

Author Bio

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle in their lives too. By taking purposeful and a whole-hearted action, Sylvia feels that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one.