Conversation is imperative if gaps are to be filled, and old age, it is the last gap but one. – Patrick White
A happy marriage is a long conversation, which always seems too short. – Andre Maurois
A lack of conversation is a warning sign that a marriage is troubled. I have always considered myself fortunate that no matter what troubles my husband and I seem to be facing, a lack of conversation is not one of them. Consider back to when you and your spouse first met – conversation was likely not a problem.
We don’t marry people just to have someone to talk to – but talking to them is a huge perk. Who else can you talk to whenever you want whether you want to discuss the latest happenings on a favorite show, a book you liked or how much milk costs at the local grocery versus Walmart?
We have myriads of conversations throughout our regular daily life and routine. We have little conversations, big conversations, meaningless conversations and even silly conversations. Ultimately, our best conversations are those where we have each others undivided attention.
The late nights after the kids are in bed where you can just relax and talk about anything. Those are some of my favorites – or when we are both in the kitchen in the morning, making breakfast and fixing coffee – catching up on each other’s plans for the day.
Conversation fulfills a great many needs in us, not the least of which are:
- Having your thoughts and feelings respected and heard.
- Feeling connected to another person.
- Learning new things.
- Sharing good moments and bad
- Sorting through problems.
- Discussing and exploring possible solutions.
- Sharing laughter and understanding.
I know that he’s the first one I want to call when there is something wrong and the first one I want to call when something goes right. We can talk about the deep stuff – theoretical, historical, metaphorical or just plain satirical. Conversation is important – it keeps the connection alive between you and your spouse.