Marriage is a two-way street. For it to last a lifetime, communication is constantly needed. Unfortunately, many experts in marriage counselling in Essex note that many couples fail to fix their issues because of lack of communication or misunderstanding of each other’s feelings, intents, and situations.

In this post, we’re shedding light on the nine most important secrets to maintaining effective communication in marriage.

Know the significance of active listening. When you discuss things with your partner, you have to let his or her voice be heard too. And whenever he or she is saying something, practice active listening — give your full attention and don't get lost in your train of thoughts.

Use positive language. According to marriage counseling Sussex experts, using positive language or "I" statements help you own your feelings and sentiments.

Be mindful of your tone. "I" statements (and any other statements) are best conveyed through a gentle, soothing tone. When talking to your partner, think about how it would feel if you're the one listening. This way, you can be more careful with your words.

Find time to talk things out calmly. Speaking of using a gentle tone...practice delaying discussions especially when the atmosphere is too tense. When you’re stressed out, you might say words that can hurt your partner. So find the opportune time to talk things out in a calm manner.

Utilise body language. Making physical contact is a great way of earnestly relaying your thoughts. When communicating with your partner, make a conscious effort to use body language to help you help him or her understand how you feel.

Honour your differences. Like what any marriage counselling Sussex professionals would say, every couple has their differences. And the key to making things work amidst these differences is respecting each other. Always try to put yourself in each other’s shoes.

Relay your ideas with tentativeness in mind. Because of your differences, there will be instances wherein your approach to a certain matter will not be in sync. When discussing such topics, offer solutions with tentativeness in mind. Using words like "perhaps" can make the other party feel that you're not controlling the situation. Instead, it's a way of saying that you're open tocollaboration.

Express the things you appreciate about your partner. Communication in marriage is not just about dealing with issues and other negative things. You should also use it to show your love for your partner. Now and then, verbally express the things you appreciate about your husband or wife.

Brighten things up with humour. Last but not the least, bear in mind that you should always look at the bright side of things. Use humour and comical anecdotes to lighten things up.

Having arguments between couples is only natural. But if you feel like you need to undergo marriage counselling in Essex, the therapists over at Relationship Counselling UK are always ready to help you save your relationship. A trusted name in this field, their specialist counsellors offer a rich experience when it comes to resolving marital issues such as loss of trust, lack of intimacy, differences in parenting styles, jealousy or suspicion, anxiety and more. Reach out to them via 07368 697414 or [email protected].