Compassionate Communication Center of Ohio

I imagine we all become engaged and enter into marriage with hopes for a bright, loving future together. Over time, though, most relationships experience some strain and we need to work at staying close. How can we keep our intimate relationships alive and healthy from the start? Learn to prevent the hurt and disconnection by translating your partner’s words and actions into what they really mean. This short taster introduces you to ways to transform ways of communicating that research has shown breaks down relationships (see Why Marriages Succeed or Fail by John Gottman, Ph.D.).

In Engaged (vs. Enranged or Disengaged), you can learn a way to: 

• Identify criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling
• Translate these into possible underlying needs to build understanding and make it easier to take things less personally
• Work on an area where a horseman is lurking in your partnership 
• Shift the course of your conversations and feel closer

The skills are transferrable to learning a way to say what you mean, as well, so you speak your truth in a way that is more likely to get you and your partner moving forward together and feeling closer. 

Married people are also welcome to attend. 

Included: Partnership worksheet. Elke Haggerty’s postcard-sized feelings and needs list.