Communication I - Understanding Episode 4

Communication I – Understanding Episode 4

Session 4 | Episode 4

How to talk so that we can be understood

We spoke about the role of listening in communication, but we also need to know how to talk so that we can be understood.

Couples communicate differently. Some are more factual, and they have difficulty expressing emotions, on the other side of the spectrum, we have the emotional people who can hardly confine their emotions. Put two people who are on the opposite side of the spectrum together and misunderstanding is bound to happen.

Several issues could cause communication problems. For example – men could have been taught “cowboys don’t cry” growing up. A lady might have a poor self-concept which causes her to experience unintended rejection.

Revealing yourself to your partner through the expression of your feelings holds the potential of being emotionally intimate.

Emotional intimacy involves sharing your feelings, emotions and needs with someone who is committed to you. If it is difficult for you, begin with entrusting yourself to God and share your emotions and feelings with Him because He understands. Practice this by being totally honest with God – use David’s Psalms.

There are three steps towards expressing oneself – determine what you want to say, how you want to say it and when you want to say it.

Let us look at WHAT – my assumptions, beliefs, desires, dreams, and needs.

HOW – Use “I” messages. I feel neglected, I believe in Jesus, my dreams are for us to be happily married.

WHEN – when you are relaxed, not before going to sleep. Plan a time.

God’s power is available to you when you risk being vulnerable.

Presented by

Isolde Swanepoel

Isolde studied Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria and taught at the same department until she and Quintus joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in 1980.

They are so aware of God’s goodness and grace as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2019. They are the parents of three children and three children-in-love! And Grandparents to 9.

Since 1996 Quintus and Isolde have been involved with FamilyLife, the marriage and family strategy of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Isolde Swanepoel

Isolde studied Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria and taught at the same department until she and Quintus joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in 1980.

They are so aware of God’s goodness and grace as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2019. They are the parents of three children and three children-in-love! And Grandparents to 9.

Since 1996 Quintus and Isolde have been involved with FamilyLife, the marriage and family strategy of Campus Crusade for Christ.