You’ve heard it said that more often than not people choose to file for divorce over financial issues. While a close second may be infidelity or an even longer list of reasons, the reality is that none of these things are truly the biggest cause of divorce.
So just what does drive people toward divorce papers more than anything else? One word: communication.
Couples who stop communicating are on the road to divorce, and if they don’t fix the problem, it will be their undoing. Here are some ways that you can improve your communication time before it’s too late.
1. Address the problem.
If you want to fix the lack of communication in your relationship, then there is really only one way to do it. Start communicating. Plan some time where you can sit down without interruption and walk through the issues. Speak up!
2. Don’t stop dating each other.
Good dating isn’t about what specific event you do together — just the fact that you ARE together. If you can both focus on a like interest for two or three hours, then you’re well on your way to being able to communicate better. That being said, a good date isn’t about simply being in the same place at the same time at the same table. It’s about give-and-take between you and your spouse. It’s about good conversation. It’s about mutual engagement.
3. Let children and other distractions know where your first priorities lie.
Before you do anything else when you get home from work, take some time to visit with one another. Let the kids know that Mom and Dad need their interaction and that they’re not to interrupt or interfere. Make a relationship habit of this, and your child and relationship will be more secure.
If you’re concerned that the relationship is past the point of no return and it’s time to file the divorce forms, make sure that you practice good communication through the entire process. If it can’t save the marriage, it can at least make the split more peaceful.