The Importance Of Communication

balanced upbringing for the kids, one in which they can grow and explore safely. Neither of them is excessively overprotective compared to the other but, each parent does have certain things they worry about more. John explained that he worries more about the big dangers, like the kids falling in their pool by accident or otherwise getting seriously hurt. On the other hand, Shau Shau tends to worry more over the everyday concerns, such as the kids getting enough fiber in their diet or brushing their teeth properly. This divergence doesn’t really represent a difference in attitudes but more a complementarity. Both of them share a similar attitude about protecting and providing for their children but, they each have a natural inclination

When asked about some of the communication techniques discussed in class and in the text, neither John or Shau Shau seemed familiar with the strategies. But, upon further discussion, it seemed that they were inadvertently using certain techniques without being aware. Both report that the try to keep fights reasonable and civil, focusing more on facts and avoiding attaching too much emotional significance. They often use BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTION to address specific problems, especially those involving household duties. PARAPHRASING also tends to be an important element in their daily communication and they often use it to make sure they are both on the same page. Another element of good communication is that they avoid letting fights get ugly or nasty, thus limiting negative affect reciprocity. Yelling and cursing are rare and detrimental behaviors such as contempt, insults, and personal attacks do not seem to occur at all. As mentioned above, there are certain situations when they argue just for the sake of arguing. When this occurs, there is some evidence of bad communication habits such as kitchen-sinking and cross-complaining. They tend to argue about a litany of mostly minor, unrelated things, jumping from one frustration to the next. But, they both usually notice this pattern fairly quickly and let go of the argument. Overall, good communication techniques

For this couple, their strong relationship is based on similarity in many areas, good communication and conflict resolution, and, of course, genuine love and friendship with each other. Through this interview, the only real weakness I identified was the high level of stress in their lives created by demanding jobs and young children. But, making each other a priority and keeping the fun and romance alive seems to allow them to avoid getting burnt out and taking it out on each other. The most important thing I have learned through this process of interviewing them is how important partner similarity is to having a fun, enjoyable and relatively conflict-free relationship. I hope that as I move forward in my life, I can continue to watch this couple grow and learn from their