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1. Especially if you tend to be trigger-happy with your emotions, make an effort to defuse your anger right from the start: Take a deep breath, count to ten, and pray a quick, “Come, Holy Spirit!”
2. Assume the best about the other person’s motives, and don’t get defensive. “They’re out to get me!” is not an attitude that promotes healthy dialogue and honest airing of problems.
3. Listen carefully. Make sure you understand the issue. You might need to clarify it through statements like, “What I think you’re saying is ….”
4. Stay in the moment. No recriminations! No sentences that begin with “you never” and “you always”!
5. Present your views in a rational, polite manner. The occasional sincere expression of appreciation for the other person won’t hurt, either.
6. Don’t make statements that accuse; use “I” statements that describe your own reactions. Instead of, “You are so self-centered,” say, “When you tell me, ‘I need some space,’ I feel so anxious.”
7. If necessary, suggest taking a break. (This is different from…
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This an issue in my Marriage and I am so glad to read this and I intend to practice it by the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank you!!!
There is a saying I heard once; “it is better to be happy than to be right.”
Marriage, in fact any relationship is give and take. It is not necessary to be right, just respectful and appreciative. We have been blessed with a beautiful marriage of 31 years and look forward to another 31.
PTL !!!