Why Won't He (or She) Listen? When Communication Breaks Down

Assertiveness, Assumptions, Aggression: only one of these things is healthy in a marriage (hint: it's the first one!) Assertiveness is critical for any marriage as it allows us to be seen and heard and it rescues us from assumptions. However, it does not come easy for many of us though, owing to past wounding, personality type or even an unsafe space to express ourselves in marriage. For others, assertiveness comes easily but often it can come with aggression and defensiveness creating that unsafe space. What's God's hope for couples who find themselves trapped in either of these extremes of assertiveness? In this conversation we explore: our fundamental need as humans to be seen and known by others the critical importance of assertiveness in a marriage why some people get nervous at the word "assertiveness" and how to overcome that why others pair aggression with assertiveness and how to move past that the importance of using "I want..." statements and responding with open-ended questions Resources and Next Steps If you'd like help finding hope and healing in these areas or a community to walk with in this, please get in touch with us: [email protected] We'd love to pray with you and see if we can connect you with some resources and community to help you along your journey with God and each other.