Communication is key

We believe that a true and lasting connection can only occur when the communication between two people is open, honest, and deep. When two people trust each other enough to express what they feel in real terms with the confidence that each will listen to the other and accept each others thoughts without criticism even when they disagree.

We have found that this level of communication requires several things:

• Trust in each other
• Confidence in each other
• Good intent
• Open mindedness
• Listening, truly listening
• Asking questions when we don't understand clearly

We also feel that there are some small ideas that make each of us feel better when talking to the other. These things have helped us:

• Do not point fingers when talking
• Do not use the word "you" as in "you do this" or "you do that"
• Do not speak in absolute terms such as "you always" or "every time" or "never"
• Be polite, use please & thank you
• Do not interrupt when the other person is speaking
• Do not "tell" the other person what to do, ask rather than tell
• Do not tell the other person they are wrong when expressing a different opinion
• Express opinions as opinions rather than fact using phrases like "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion"