On Wednesdays I post a practical wisdom thought or suggestion on Marriage, Parenting, or Life. Giving positive praise and sharing disappointing hurts are key components of healthy marital communication. Just as important for a satisfying marriage are both spouses being able to receive that information in a healthy way.

After receiving praise, a simple “Thank You” or “You Are Welcome” builds self-worth in a spouse as well as strengthens politeness within the relationship. When a disappointing hurt is shared it is equally important to not be overly sensitive and get defensive.

A major enemy for a gratifying, happy marriage is receiving a disappointing hurt as an attack rather than just information. Far too often I have counseled couples where the chief stumbling block to happiness was one spouse who regularly over reacted when a disappointment was shared.

TODAY: If your spouse shares a disappointing hurt, seek to understand the hurt and then together search for a solution that will either heal the hurt or improve that aspect of your marital relationship.

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