Communicating

Communicating in a loving way every day can be a challenge.

I do NOT recommend yelling, criticizing, belittling or nagging.

Those tactics are neither helpful nor productive.

Instead -- take a deep breath, and when you are ready to communicate in a calm, kind manner, proceed to ask the questions you have, and say the things that are on your mind.  (If you don't have the time to calm yourself completely, then do the best you can.)

Use the word "I" to state how you feel.

Remember -- just because YOU are trying to communicate in a kind way, does NOT guarantee that your spouse, child, friend or co-worker will also try to communicate in a kind way.

However -- if YOU are in charge of YOUR emotions, then it will most likely help them to not feel defensive.

We all have times when our communication styles haven't been optimum.  It is at those times when we need to STOP, take a break and perhaps agree upon a time to come back and finish discussing the matter.  Perhaps an hour OR half an hour is a good length of time.

I am thankful that with my husband, he will tell me when he gets to a point where he no longer wants to discuss an issue.  We will agree to stop for a while, and then come back together later, after we have both had some time to think.

Elder Jörg Klebingat, in his talk, which I posted on March 18, 2015 ("Two Heavy-duty Great Talks Regarding YOU"), he said get "really really good at repenting" and get "really really good at forgiving".   : )

I believe that by applying that counsel to your relationships, it will help you be able to quickly get back on track with your loved ones as you try to resume effective and loving communication.  Say you're sorry.  Sincerely.  Forgive those in your family who offend or hurt you.  Ask Heavenly Father to help you forgive them.

Here is a talk given in 1976 by Elder Marvin J. Ashton, who was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.  He talks about communicating in a family.  I like his talk.

Click on the link below:

Family Communication

In contrast........ Here is a video by "Studio C".  It shows a couple communicating by conveying their words in..... a unique way.  Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

Studio C