Building Good Communication into Your Relationships

Have you ever noticed that you have to be intentional to have good communications in any relationship?

Do you tend to be the historian or the hysterical one? My pastor, Todd Cook, is an excellent communicator. This week, he was teaching on how to enhance your relationship skills.

Recently a reporter friend of mine asked, "What is the cause of most marital breakups?" She looked surprised by my answer. I said, "Bitterness." I continued, "Bitterness being poisoned by the anger and hurt that you will not let go of." She looked away, somewhat embarrassed, and then turned back to me and said, "That is exactly what happened in my marriage. I just wouldn't let it go."

As a counselor, I make a living helping people build up their relationships, and in yesterday's message (my wife and I do the Saturday church thing) Todd hit a home run.

Here is a very brief review of his message:
Immature Ways of Communication
1. Verbal Retaliation
2. Withdrawal
3. The "Blame Game"
4. Threats

The Cure -Stop the Insanity
1. Look Up
2. Open Up
3. Give it Up.

Check out his podcast.

My article Fair Fighting has some practical tips that you can use to enhance your communication skills, take a look and let me know what you think.

Jesus said it best, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31