Listening ...

I am sure you have heard the old adage "We have two ears and one mouth for a reason", but how good are you actually listening?

Watching TV, checking out social media, or doing anything when someone is talking to you is not truly listening. There is a concept called "active listening". It is intently engaging in conversation and hearing the other person. Here are a few tips to help build better communication:

• Put away all distractions. We have a rule at dinner that cell phones are not welcome.
• Look your wife in the eye. My wife constantly reminds me to look her in the eye to make sure I am paying attention. This is a great way to show your spouse respect.
• Observe tone and body language. Only 10% of communication is the actual words we use. Tone and body language convey a whole lot more. I am sure you have asked your wife if something is wrong and her words say "No", but everything else tells a whole different story.
• Repeat back what you heard. This makes sure you heard what the other person is trying to convey.

These steps work in any relationship, personal or business, but they will transform your marriage and put you on the path to a better, stronger relationship.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash