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While your spouse certainly adds a ton of joy to your life, they bring along some added complexity too.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re both different in some ways. And to keep life happy and peaceful for everyone, sometimes you need to broach difficult topics.<\/p>\n
And you know how it goes. Sometimes, just a look or a slight change in your tone of voice sends the entire conversation spiraling out of control.<\/p>\n
Talking about how you use energy can be one of those challenging conversations.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, by mastering the art of communication with these simple tips, you can have a civil conversation about a difficult subject:<\/p>\n
1. Focus on Goals, Not on Personal Behaviors<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone\u2019s tendency is to approach the situation with,\u201dHere\u2019s what you\u2019re doing wrong and how you need to change.\u201d<\/p>\n If you do that, you\u2019ve set the stage for war.<\/p>\n Remember, you don\u2019t like to be on the wrong side of that conversation either.<\/p>\n So instead, begin the conversation by talking about goals.<\/p>\n What do you and your spouse want to do in the next few months, years, and eventually when you retire?<\/p>\n Once you have mutual goals, then you can focus on discussing the behaviors that get you there.<\/p>\n 2. Admit Your Own Mistakes Too <\/strong><\/p>\n The best way to get someone else to admit their mistakes is to talk about your own first.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s say you\u2019re responsible for about 10% of the energy waste in your home while your spouse is responsible for the other 90%.<\/p>\n Talk about your 10% first.<\/p>\n This will take your spouse\u2019s defenses down.<\/p>\n And the conversation will go a much more peaceful direction.<\/p>\n 3. Only Communicate Love and Compassion for Your Spouse<\/strong><\/p>\n Look your spouse in the eyes. Hold their hand. And only speak with a calm voice.<\/p>\n This may be challenging because your spouse\u2019s mistakes might be pretty obvious to you.<\/p>\n So make sure you clear your mind and let go of all negative thoughts about your spouse and their mistakes before the conversation begins.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/powermepronto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/laundryroom.jpg\")
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