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The Modern Rules For Making Decisions As A Couple
Being part of a couple makes reaching a decision more rewarding and complicated. You benefit from pooling your resources, but it’s important to mesh your individual styles.
How you decide an issue will often be more important than the specific conclusion.
Learn to work as a team by using these strategies:
1. Be flexible. Value your relationship more than a particular outcome. Be open minded about trying out new methods for familiar activities. You may find that you function just as well doing one load of laundry a week instead of two.
2. Speak openly. Express your thoughts and feelings directly and tactfully. It’s easier to succeed when you have greater knowledge and understanding.
3. Listen to each other. Pay attention to your partner. Resist the urge to interrupt. Active listening is a powerful way of showing that you care about the other person’s well-being.
4. Think positively. When you’re faced with a thorny dilemma, remind yourself of what you like about your spouse. Reflect on the conflicts you’ve resolved in the past and reassure yourself that you’ll get through this as well.
5. Develop patience. Letting one person call the shots may be quicker than reaching an agreement. However, it’s still…