Communication in Marriage

All the way live w/The Love Byrd’s

2/19/2021

Communication in Marriage

If we breakdown communication, we can break it down into 5 parts.

1. A message from one spouse

2. Is sent verbally or in writing.

3. To the other spouse

4. Who receives the message?

5. And understands the meaning of the message in a certain way.

Perfect communication – is when the intent of the original message sent is understood fully and accurately by the receiver. This kind of communication builds the intimacy of the marriage relationship.

Broken communication – is when misunderstandings happen anywhere along the 5 parts of communication.

- The message as sent may not exactly represent the intention of the sender.

- The way the message is sent may be incomplete or unclear.

- The receiver may not be listening well. Maybe even imposing judgments or motives.

- The understanding of the message is clouded by history or emotions of the receiver.

This broken communication cycle is at the root of 90% of couples who seek out marriage counseling.

Often broken communication can be the result of couples who love each other mishearing and misinterpreting the core of the other’s communication attempts.

Wise Counseling Steps

1. All marital communication should be honest, respectful, and spoken in love.

2. Communication should be purposeful, goal-oriented, and free of hidden agendas.

3. There should be a sensitivity to timing.

4. Since communication involves both sending and receiving messages, there should be a premium put on listening respectfully to the entire message of the sender and making sure you fully understand the message they are trying to send.