We all know that men and women often communicate in very different ways. So to find out how not to communicate with your wife, I decided to ask my own wife, Susan, for some helpful tips.  First, she told me never to approach your wife with attack intensity.  She explained that when communicating with a forceful attitude rather than a soft demeanor, your wife will become defensive.  Second, she warned that a...

Susan and I went on a trip with our good friends a few weeks ago. We’re really close with this couple. After Jay observed me interacting with Susan for a couple of days, he said to me, “I notice that when you and Susan talk, you interrupt her a lot. That’s not very respectful. Cutting her off while she’s speaking, even unintentionally, shows that you care more about what you want to say than what she is saying.”...

In marriage, it’s wise to think first…then think again…and then say what’s on your mind.  For example, your spouse forgets to take out the trash for the hundredth time, or leaves the garage door open after you’ve asked them to close it when they get home.  Well, before you let them have it…wait. Think about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it.  The goal should be to help your spouse understand...

When you were dating your wife, you were captivated by her beauty, her charm, and the way she looked at you.  You couldn’t believe she was your girlfriend.  All these things inspired you to be a better boyfriend. But she needs to know that you still find her as captivating as ever.  If your wife is captivating, tell her.  First, don’t take her for granted.  Find a way to say “I love you” every day even if it’s...

Remember dating your husband? You couldn’t sleep…you couldn’t eat…you couldn’t wait for him to call.  It was reflected in the way you acted.  Let him know you are still his girlfriend.  First, remember what attracted your husband to you.  Watch sports with him.  Make him a special dinner.  Take time to do those things again.  Second, be excited to see him.  Enjoy just being in the same room with him.  When you...

Susan is an amazing person—she’s a passionate mom to our five kids. And, I am immeasurably blessed to be her husband. But we do have challenges in our relationship. Here are some ways I struggle with Susan. Struggle #1. Susan always understands what she is saying to me but I sometimes don’t understand what she is saying to me. She’ll say things like, “You just need to understand me better” or “You just don’t get...

Recently, my wife, Susan and I took a little vacation to North Carolina with our close friends Jay and Beth. At the end of the week, Jay shared with me some things he noticed about the way Susan and I communicate.  He started by how we constantly interrupt each other when we talk. He didn’t pull any punches and he didn’t stop there. He also said that I talked way too much and didn’t listen enough.  Here’s more on...