Collaborative Communication: – A Powerful Tool for Couples

Love Discovery Institute

Do you know that many of our relationship problems relate to how we communicate? In order for two people with two completely different minds, two different backgrounds and personal histories to live harmoniously, there is need for certain degree of balance and understanding. Trust me, when l say that collaborative communication is the way, because it offers a pathway to achieve just that. According to Dr. Lisa Firestone, collaborative communication is a powerful tool for couples to gain a deeper understanding of each other and achieve more balance and closeness in their relationship.  Besides, studies have shown that couples who practice collaborative communication experience more overall relationship satisfaction.

Come to think of it, it is not only the words that come out of our mouths that are referred to as collaborative communication. Rather, it includes all the many methods with which we use to communicate. It may interest you to know that even the tone in which we communicate, matters a lot.  Our body language, facial expression, body signs, etc., all of these matter when we are communicating more especially, with our spouse. Oftentimes, conflicts arise between couples from misunderstandings of what we communicate, the message we send out and our gesticulations while communicating.  

As couples, understanding each other is very, very important. When you take time to understand your spouse, you are 50% on the right part to having a smooth relationship that will also be built on enhanced and effective communication between you two. More so, when couples communicate with, openness, and empathy, they can form much stronger relationships where each person’s feelings are known and understood.

As an advocate of work-life balance, I believe so much in achieving balance in everything l do. Be it my work, the way l organise my life, or manage my family.  So, with this attitude, l have been able to run things without difficulties over the years. Therefore, l believe that couples need to have certain degree of balance and understanding not only in their lives but also in their communication as well. And, l can tell you based on experience that when they do, they will be able to align themselves with each other in order to achieve a mutual and lasting understanding.

In conclusion, I will like to say that through collaborative communication, couples will be able to focus on how they can express their individual perspective in a manner where they are more likely to be heard by their partner without having to fight their own instincts or be defensive. 

Betty

Beatrice Egbuna is an experienced Broadcast Technologist with a strong background in managing broadcast equipment and sound technology. She has played a leading role in building and installing various radio studios, as well as maintaining and repairing both analogue and digital equipment at Voice of Nigeria (VON) studios. Egbuna holds a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Lagos State University (LASU), and has received training in Audio Engineering from the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. She also holds certificates in Senior Management Programmes from the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), as well as a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU). Prior to joining EDC in 2011, Beatrice worked in various capacities at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and VON before retiring in 2010 as Deputy Director Programming. She has also worked as a Consultant/Mentor on projects like "Road-to-Growth" powered by Cherie Blair Foundation and Access Bank Plc. Egbuna produced and presented "Enterprise Stories", a live radio program on Inspiration 92.3 FM, which brings entrepreneurs together every Tuesday at 3 pm to share their success stories and inspire startup developers to follow their dreams. She also produced "The Economy and You," a program that aired for about four years on Rhythm 93.7 FM, which brought policymakers, technocrats and successful business executives to discuss government policies and their impact on the economy and businesses in Nigeria. Currently, Beatrice Egbuna is the Principal Consultant at Maluwe Capacity Builders International, Nigeria, where she provides real-time feedback and actionable advice that adds value to her clients. She is also a mentor and faculty member at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, and a BDSP Consultant on the 5-year (20??-20??) MASTERCARD TRANSFORMING NIGERIA YOUTH PROJECT (TNY). Egbuna is passionate about developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing business support and advisory services to entrepreneurs within and outside the EDC business network for over a decade. She is a certified IFC/LPI Trainer, certified SMEDAN Business Development Service Provider (BDSP), life coach, work-life balance advocate/coordinator, and marriage counsellor who helps employees/career/business people find fulfilment in the workplace, balance in their daily activities, and solutions to their marital challenges. To reach Beatrice Egbuna she can be contacted through her email addresses: bettyegbuna@yahoo.com and maluwehelp@gmail.com. She also has a website, https://momentwithbetty.com.

View Comments

  • Great article. It has been said by many experts in counseling that communication is key to a successful union. They are many ways of communicating both verbal and non verbal and if used very well can be very effective.

  • On point ????????????????????????
    Yes, the role of Communication in marriage cannot be overemphasized.
    Thanks auntie Betty

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