MARITAL

COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR COUPLES.

A lot of times, couples get pissed off with each other by the way they respond to each other. We can do better if we learn responses in the *affirmative* and not in the *combative*. Let’s read the following:

1. *Statement:* Are you okay; is anything the matter?
– *Wrong response:* Can’t you see yourself; what kind of question is that?
– *Right response:* I’m not feeling fine; I think I need some attention.

2. *Statement:* I got wounded in kitchen.
– *Wrong response:* I’ve told you to always be careful with knife.
– *Right response:* Oh sorry, let me have a look. Please be more careful with knife.

3. *Statement:* I’ll like to eat corn flakes.
– *Wrong response:* No way! It’s for the children; and that’s for one month! Take garri if you are hungry.
– *Right response:* Okay, you can eat a little. I trust you’ll give us money to buy another.

4. *Statement:* I’m really hungry.
– *Wrong response:* Even I myself have not eaten since morning.
– *Right response:* Oh sorry, let’s see if there’s something you can manage for now.

5. *Statement:* Why don’t you do it this way?
– *Wrong response:* Why is it that you always find fault with what I do?
– *Right response:* Well, I’ve tried this before and I think it will work. If not, I’ll try that.

6. *Statement:* I want more food.
– *Wrong response:* Ha-ha, it has finished. You want to finish all the food in the house?
– *Right response:* Sorry, please manage that for now. We are down on food stuff.

7. *Statement:* Handle that thing carefully please.
– *Wrong response:* Am I that daft? You will just be talking to me as if I don’t have any sense.
– *Right response:* Yes dear, I will.

8. *Statement:* Haven’t you finished what you are doing?
– *Wrong response:* You are seated there doing nothing and you are asking if I’ve not finished!
– *Right response:* It will still take a while; can you please lend me a hand?

9. *Statement:* I bought this on my way; I thought it will be useful.
– *Wrong response:* How much did you buy it? What! That’s too expensive – wọ́n ti gbá ẹ!
– *Right response:* Thank you; it will indeed be useful. Thanks for the surprise.

10. *Statement* :Am feeling Horny today, I will like us to make love.
*Wrong Response* : Ha ha, is it food. Am tired ooo.
*Right Response*: Whaooo. Dear, for it to be mutual enjoyment, can you please wait till early in the morning. I’m so tired right now.

*_A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.*