Email: Communication [VI]

Couples can either schedule in their communication times (if they are that busy) or at least expect to communicate when they are together. (Brainlessness when together generally does not build a relationship.) Rather than "just doing things," it is good to discuss what is important and meaningful in each others' lives. I will see a movie if I want entertainment or an artistic experience, but when I want to talk with a friend or a date, we go somewhere that is conducive to hearing what each other is saying.

Learning to listen is not that hard. Like most things, you just have to first be aware of the need and then choose to adapt to the need. Plenty of techniques are helpful, such as repeating what was said or "reflecting back" what you understand was said. People actually consider listeners to be the 'best" conversationalists. As I often say, the world would be a much better place if people spent at least as much time developing their relationship skills as their careers.