Communication Style

Monday Mom challenge: Don’t shoot the messenger

Jen Klein — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0800

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t shoot the messenger,” right? And pretty much know how to apply it to criticism or bad news situations. But does it apply in other situations? Do you dismiss words -- even kind ones -- because of who says it? And what if the manner of communication really is the issue?

How to communicate better with your partner

Jessica Padykula — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:48:00 -0800

Communicating with your spouse isn’t always easy; things get lost in translation or fights break out. Here, Sharon Rivkin, MA, MFT and author of Breaking the Argument Cycle: How to Stop Fighting Without Therapy tells us how to communicate better in relationships.

How to get what you want

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 06:18:00 -0800

Relationships are all about compromise, but sometimes you just want to convince your guy to give in and acquiesce to your demands. Here are a few simple tips for getting what you want.

How to talk so your guy will listen

Jessica Padykula — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:36:00 -0800

Women often have a bad reputation for nagging. But really, all we’re trying to do is make sure our men are listening. Rather than watch his eyes glaze over as you give him yet another reminder to take out the trash, check out our tips for getting your guy to listen.

My husband, the clam

Noelle Nelson — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Ever wonder why your husband won't talk with you much? Oh, sure, he's good for the occasional riff about work or sports, and he certainly has gotten good with his share of "Yes, dear," but when it comes to sharing his opinion on other things? Like issues with the kids, or ideas for vacation , or pointing out stuff he's found on the Net? Zip, nada. It's like you're married to a clam.

Understanding your body language

Noelle Nelson — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 06:50:00 -0700

You think you're being so cool. He says, "I'm thinking about taking Saturday off to go fishing with the guys," and you think, "I'm gonna kill him. Saturday was the day he promised to clear out the garage together." But you don't want to have an argument over it or fall into the category of nagging wife. The garage has waited this long, so it can probably wait another week. Exerting enormous self-control, you say, "Fine."

A tech-free way to enrich your communication skills

Amy Grace — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:49:00 -0700

In today’s technological era of email, cell phones, texting, Facebook and Twitter, mixed with an insanely busy social schedule, who has time to sit down and handwrite a letter? The art of penmanship seems nearly dead and a fading part of our past. When was the last time you actually sat down to handwrite a letter of correspondence to someone? It wasn’t that long ago that we weren’t so overcome by technology and we actually took the time to send a letter or thank-you note to keep in touch with friends and family or thank them for a kind gesture or gift. Here’s why it’s time to sit down and write an honest-to-goodness stamp and envelope letter.

How to bring up difficult issues

Noelle Nelson — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:38:00 -0700

Here's how to approach the tough subjects with your partner -- the difficult issues that can spark a fight .

Connecting with your kids: Strategies for tough conversations

Dr. Laura Markham — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Fewer than half of all sixth graders describe their family communication as positive and only 22 percent of high school seniors do. What would your kids say?