My wife, Susan, and I have different styles of communication. So, to help us, we use what’s called the speaker/listener technique. Here’s how the speaker/listener technique works. The speaker holds a pen or some other object to show they have the floor. The speaker then makes a short statement or point. After the speaker makes their first point, the listener repeats it back or paraphrases what they heard so that the speaker knows the listener understood. This process is repeated until the speaker felt heard on their point. Now, the speaker and listener switch roles and it’s the listeners turn to speak. So use this technique to communicate well with your spouse.

For more on this topic on my blog, go to How to Talk through Tough Topics with Your Spouse.