2. “The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” Daniel W Davenport

3.  Words  Facial Expressions  Body Language  Silence

4. “When a man speaks, he gives you a piece of his mind, when a woman speaks, she gives you a piece of her heart.” From ‘Mars and Venus Together Forever’ by John Grey

7.  Decide who will be responsible for monitoring finances  Make regular time to talk about them  Agree realistic budget & review bank statements together regularly  Be realistic – most of us spend 10% more than we earn!  Beware of plastic money  Make sure lifestyle fits your budget  Be honest – never hide the truth

8. combat is optional!

9.  Forget the issue  Be historical  “You always..” “You never…” “Yes, but.”  Involve others  Criticise partner in public  Use insults, blame..  Deny being partly responsible

10.  Find right time to talk – 10pm rule  Stick to the issue  Choose words carefully  Non-confrontational phrases  Hear your partner out  Try to understand the meaning & feeling behind words  Pray  Be ready to back down  Resolve differences lovingly before sleep  Be first to say “sorry” not “Sorry but…”  Remember the awesome power of forgiveness