communication

 Communication is one of the most important things that pertain to marriage, families, and all relationships. The thing is communication can help solve problems but most importantly it can help prevent. Communication is not always easy. For most it is actually a very difficult thing to do. There is an old saying that says its easier said than done and that applies to communication. There is a great book that I love and would recommend to learn how to better communicate. The book was written for councils and not specifically for couples or relationships, but I think it applies super well. I read this book as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. It was recommended to me. I guess I needed to learn how to communicate. In the end it helped me a lot. Each chapter is written for a different topic. I highly recommend that you read it if you have not and if you have read it, I encourage you to read it again.

              During life every couple or relationship no matter the type will have a trial or problem they will need to communicate about to help get them through it. If by some lucky chance a couple does not communication will still be needed. There are two really big points when it comes to communication. The first one is to listen. Listening is so important. I often forget this but when I do it makes a huge difference. Communication is a two-way thing so make it a two way thing. Listen and talk when needed. In the book I referenced earlier counseling within our councils. M. Russel Ballard talks about this very thing. He says when leading a council make sure you are the one talking the least and that everyone has an opportunity to voice there opinion on the matter being discussed. Just because you think you know the answer does not always mean that you actually do. Listening is a skill and takes practice to develop. Some are gifted with the ability to listen. While others will struggle their whole life to stop talking for just a few seconds. But we see that often times problems will figure themselves out through listening to each other. The other is being honest. What likely happens is whatever is bothering or on the individuals mind is hard to bring up or communicate about. But it is extremely important to speak the truth about your own opinion. There are cases of people struggling with this but not as often as listening to one another. These two small things might not seem like that big of a deal, but they can make a huge difference in the end.

              Communication is something that is hard to develop in a relationship. It is even harder to develop healthy communication habits. It is often uncomfortable and difficult. But it is one of the most important things pertaining to marriage families and even all relationships. Communication comes in many different ways. Two ways important parts of a healthy practice of communication involves both listening and being honest. Making sure that the other person is being understood and acknowledged there feelings as being valid, hear, and understood by you. As well as being honest. Being honest helps weave through that what ifs and guessing. This helps prevent uncertainty and guessing when it comes to what the problem might be. Most likely if the problem is guesses that means the solution will probably be guesses to and will end up being more bad than good at the end of the day