A healthy, love-filled marriage is one that most couples aim for when they start off, but to their dismay, most simply do no achieve this. That is probably why divorce rates are so high. You can have a better marriage if you are understanding what your spouse really means.

We all have our own ways of communicating, but in a marriage, communication is the key to a successful union. Some of us simply do not listen to what our spouses are saying, and that is a recipe for disaster. Below, discover how to listen carefully and really understand the message that your spouse is trying to convey.

Open the doors of communication by spending quality time together. Create a relaxing mood by turning down the lights, turning on soft music in the background, and face each other. Discuss the days you both had, emphasizing both good and bad. When talking about a problem, look at the body language because it says a lot, even when someone is trying to hold back verbally. If there is eye rolling, sighing, pursing of the lips, or contracting jaw muscles, then there is definitely tension.

If there is a verbal communication, pay special attention to the tone of voice and of course, the words being used. Try not to interrupt. Although it is a discussion or a dialogue, each party should have time to speak while the other listens. When listening to the other, it is important to take in the information in its true form. Do not take this time to form your rebuttal. Instead, absorb all the information being conveyed to get a true meaning of what is really being said. Do not focus on one point, but rather listen to all of them. By doing so, more trust will be built, as well as a more solid foundation.