To improve or sustain the wholesome communication necessary for a good marriage, then, certain obstacles must be overcome. A real obstacle to wholesome communication can be fear of how a marriage mate would react to certain information or expressed desire. For instance, fear of rejection may arise after one learns that a serious personal disability is developing. In such cases, honest communication and thoughtful planning for the future are needed as never before. Verbal assurances of continuing love, along with frequent acts of tenderness, would communicate a personal interest that would help to promote a truly satisfying marriage.
Resentment is another obstacle to wholesome communication.
It has fittingly been said that a happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers. Applying this counsel instead of nursing anger or resentment certainly calls for humble communication. Partners in a good marriage do not persistently succumb to anger, quarreling, and holding a grudge. They seek to imitate God, who does not harbor resentment. Indeed, they forgive each other from the heart.