At the same time the couple must continue the work of protecting their own privacy. Confront and master the inevitable crises of life and maintain the strength of the marital bond in the face of adversity and create a safe haven within the marriage for the expression of difference, anger and conflict. Use humor and laughter to keep things in perspective and to avoid boredom and isolation. Provide nurturance and comfort to each other, satisfying each partner's need for dependency and offer continuing encouragement and support. Keep alive the romantic, idealized images of falling in love, while facing the sober realities of the changes wrought by time.
Communication Skills Being able to communicate is one of the greatest assets in any relationship.
Being able to articulate your thoughts and being certain that the listener understands what you wish to say take considerable practice. Often we believe we are saying one thing, while the listener is hearing something entirely different. The listener often is responding to either what they believed you to say or their own interpretation. Without both, communication will be at best difficult. Arrange for a convenient meeting time rather than trying to have a discussion on the fly when it is likely to be interrupted.