1421 May Your Merry Bells Keep Ringing

Yet you keep pushing each others buttons hoping one will give in. And that one isn’t you.

Now be honest. That will not get you any bonus points, not that you’re keeping score.

But let’s be real! You both are keeping score, especially during the holidays.

Stress brings our the best in all of us.

So what has been stressing you out lately?

• Deadlines
• To do list
• Traffic
• Dinner
• Laundry
• Bills

Well for us it was a mattress! We just recently purchased a new mattress. When it was being delivered, we had to prepare the space. The current mattress we had needed to be moved from our bedroom to another room.

During this escapade, my tone got a little heated and so did my husband’s. But of course, neither of us could see the other side.

Perspective is everything. This applies to communication as well.

In marriage, you will have miscommunication. You will have conflict. The key is learning how to resolve the issue before it becomes a thorn in your marriage.

Remember….May your merry bells keep ringing!

So how do you keep those merry bells ringing?

The K.I.S.S. ~ Speak in wonder!

Keep the magic alive!

Communication keeps those merry bells ringing. Why? Because both parties understand where the other is coming from.

1. Be alert when conversing. Look at your spouse in the eyes. When your spouse enters the room, acknowledge him/her. And be sure not to talk through walls!
2. Listen and question. When we carry on a conversation, most of the time we are missing what is really being said. Why? We are formulating a response. Listen and then ask a question. This builds trust and gives you more information to the situation at hand.
3. Reaffirm your relationship. “In this moment, I am frustrated by your actions. Please know that I’m still madly in love with you. But that doesn’t change that this situation stinks.“

The more you practice these strategies, the more your spouse will notice. Over time, they too will begin to utilize some of the strategies too. But it starts with you!

“Your marriage is worth the fight! May your merry bells keep ringing!”