HE GAVE HER DOG BISCUITS

HE GAVE HER DOG BISCUITS  How many different meanings can you discern from those five words? Did he serve her a traditional dog treat for supper (either as a joke or perhaps out of anger), or did he love her dog so much that he gave her dog a present he knew the dog would love? If he gave biscuits to her dog, were they regular dog biscuits, or biscuits like you might get at Cracker Barrel? Or, is it an incomplete sentence?  What if the dog's name is Biscuits? Then we're left wondering what he gave to Biscuits.

Granted this is a silly little exercise, but it does illustrate a point. Even in the best of circumstances, communication is a difficult process.

In every communication, three things happen:

·         First, there is what is said. What are the actual words that are formed and spoken out loud?

·         Second, there is what is heard. What did you understand to be the actual words your mate spoke? Have you ever thought your spouse just said the craziest thing?  "What do you mean there's a ninja monkey in the front yard?" Sometimes we simply do not correctly understand the words spoken.

·         Third, there is what is interpreted. What did your spouse mean to convey? Are you accurately understanding his/her intention? What does the tone of voice and body language communicate?

Communication is essential to any relationship.  Without communication, a relationship will die.  There is no way around it.  Let me say it again. Without communication a relationship will die.

            As you and your mate talk, are you talking with each other or are you talking at each other? Below are some tips for healthy communication.  As you read through them, consider honestly and carefully how you are talking with your spouse.

Reminder Tips for Clear, Healthy Communication

·         Listen—Most people are tempted to zero in on one specific point brought up in conversation, rush to defend an action or position, or begin to formulate what he/she will say next.  Listen to your mate fully and carefully.

·         Speak up—Say what you think.  If you mate says something you agree with, let him/her know, but also speak up if you disagree with something your spouse says.  You and your mate cannot read each other’s minds, and silence can be incorrectly interpreted as agreement or disagreement.  So, don’t leave it open for your mate to assume you mean, think, or feel something that you do not.  But remember, when you speak up, always speak in love (and always be mindful of your tone of voice).

·         Speak for yourself only—Don’t presume you can answer for your mate.  Resist the temptation to say things like, “Oh, I know how you’ll answer that question,” or “It’s obvious that you think…”  Speak for yourself only.

·         Be specific—If you only talk in generalities, you will tend to have lots of good intentions, but no real direction or solutions.  Also, avoid simple “yes” and “no” answers, or short answers that don’t really tell your mate anything.

·         Ask clarifying questions—Take the time to ask if you don’t fully understand something your mate has shared with you.  Again, you cannot read your spouse’s mind, so make sure you truly understand what he/she is trying to communicate to you.

·         Resist the impulse to lecture or give unwanted advice—Some people communicate from a “fix it” stand point (that is, they want to be problem solvers for their mate) and others communicate from a “vent it” stand point (that is, they know what to do, but they just want to share with their spouse).  Too much “fix it” can shut down communication, and too much “vent it” never leads to positive, marriage-improving action.  Share and find workable goals and solutions together.

·         Remember you are one flesh, not competitors—If some of your conversations involve different points of view, remember that you are covenant marriage partners, not bitter rivals.  Regrettably, in communication, some spouses are more determined to win the argument than they are to do what is best for the marriage.  Make sure you see your conversations as cooperative not competitive.

      Don’t assume motivation—Unless it is clearly stated, you cannot presume to know someone’s motivation, or his/her thought process that led him/her to make a specific statement.

Above all else, remember to practice your Christian life first and foremost at home with your spouse.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Remember, without communication, a relationship will die.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT WEEKEND

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2, 2012

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK

Email dfcamp@gmail.com for more information