Using Effective Communication to Foster Positive Relationships

Good morning Chad, I made you breakfast. 

Thanks  love. Would you like to go out tonight?

Yes. Lets go to Chipotle.

Here, Carol and Chad have been married for 1 year. They have a pretty average, healthy relationship. They are able to balance their life and are happy with each other. 

CAROL! GET ME A GOD DAMN BEER!

This was the last one. Can we talk I do not understand why you are so upset?

GET OUT I DON'T WANT TO TALK!

It has been a total of five years of their marriage. Carols' and Chad's relationship is starting to fall apart. They do not have communication skills. Chad is becoming an alcoholic.

Carol come here! I want a child and you are going to do as I say!

I can not do that. I am still in school and I am not ready to have another child after my miscarriage.  I have told you this multiple times.

Chad is forcing Carol to have a baby. She is mentally unstable because she had a miscarriage. Chad only wants to use Carol for her body, and Carol knows that. He has become very verbally abusive.

You never listen to me . You always say no to everything. All I asked was get baby clothes.

You do not listen to me. I do not want a child. I am not ready. I want to talk to you, but all you do is yell at me. 

This is unacceptable sir. You are not supposed to treat women that way. She is saying no. Just listen to what she has to say.

Chad takes Carol to the mall to buy clothes for a future baby. She says no and he slaps her. She also explains that he does not listen and they have to talk. Caroline tells Chad that his behavior is unacceptable and he should listen to her before losing his mind.

Carol: Lets go home Chad.

Chad: Yes, we should. We need to talk.

Carol: *snifs*

I hope they are ok.

After hearing the pain in his wife's voice, he decided to talk to her. They go home and begin to talk. Caroline really helped him understand that he was wrong in this situation. He was not communicating with his wife. 

Listen... I have had a hard time talking to you because... well... I want us to have a family. I completely understand. When you are ready we will have a child. I am sorry for slapping you. I was angry. I shouldn't have done that. I love you.

I love you. I know you want a family and you had said that in the beginning. However, I am struggling with the baby we lost. I would like to wait. Then we can make a decision as a couple. 

After a healthy conversation, Carol and Chad came to a conclusionthat they did not know what each other wanted. Carol tells Chad that she was not ready to have a child because she had a miscarriage. They mutually decide that when it is time they will have a child. Clearly, strong communication is key to understanding each other.