We recently held an online couple’s meeting that focused on strategies to help couples develop a “lifelong listener” approach.
An abridged version of our notes and audio of our meeting are available below.
Main takeaways
- Listening is: processing your spouse’s viewpoint, where the other person is coming from, and why he/she feels the way they do. It’s not necessarily agreeing but it IS the first step in reaching a compromise.
- Theme Scripture: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
- Strategies to talk so your spouse will understand:
- De-emotionalize
- How does he/she conceptualize life? (God speaking our language: “Fishers of men”)
- Repeat it back. Does it make sense to him/her or just you?
- How to listen when it matters most
- Recognize it’s about more than you (it’s your marriage)
- Set the stage for sharing
- Step back emotionally
- Compromise is part of life
Fearless Marriage 
Very good tips, for any age / stage.
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Thanks Kathy!
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