Ronda and I are approaching our 48th wedding anniversary at the end of 2026. While that hardly seems possible, what DOES reflect reality are the hundreds of communication mistakes we've made in almost five decades of marriage! You'll be seeing the top 7 as well as practical ways to turn each around.

Many married couples talk every day but still feel unknown. Healthy communication is more than exchanging information; it is the pathway to being heard, understood, safe, and connected. This practical guide helps couples strengthen communication by creating the right climate, practicing the right posture, using the right skills, replacing unhealthy patterns, and building daily rhythms of connection. 

Most couples believe they communicate fairly well. 

After all, they talk every day. They discuss schedules, responsibilities, decisions, and concerns. Conversation is a regular part of life together. 

Yet many of the arguments couples experience are not caused by disagreement alone. More often, they arise from something deeper: one or both partners feeling misunderstood. 

When people feel unheard, even small conversations can become frustrating. 

In many cases the missing skill is not speaking more clearly. It is learning how to listen well. 

Listening may sound simple, but healthy listening in marriage is one of the most important—and least practiced—communication skills couples can develop. 

Parenting is hard. Full stop! As a mom of five, I’ve done a lot of things well over the years—and made plenty of mistakes too. One of the hardest areas to navigate is parenting during conflict. Anger, frustration, exhaustion, and a dozen other emotions can bring out the worst in any of us. Let’s look at three common mistakes parents make in conflict—and some practical ways to fix them.​