A married couple would always want to have a solid marriage. That would mean both are ready for long time commitments of love, loyalty and respect to make the marriage work. Most couples however would always have some problems with communicating with each other. There would be times that the wife would find it hard to communicate with her husband and vice versa. There are effective ways to solve this problem and the wife may make the initiative to do so.

• One good way to talk to your husband is by planning it. Plan and set the time and place for your talks. Maybe it can be after dinner or you can invite him for some walk where you can talk. Just make sure that your husband is relaxed and not too tired.

• Try to make it a quiet place for you to communicate. Turn off loud music, TV and other distractions. Try to make it a relaxed atmosphere for both of you.

• Try to begin by asking some friendly questions which your husband can warm up to. Focus on the subject which you want to talk about. If your husband clams up, don’t force the issue. Just gently remind him that you would like to clear this particular topic with him and that you may be willing to wait until he is ready to discuss it with you. Share your thoughts and feelings, so that your husband would somehow be influenced to do the same.

• Try to let your husband feel that you understand him. Remember to keep your emotions under control; don’t show anger or resentment. Avoid pre-judging on what he is going to say, and don’t try to analyze or assume what he thinks or is going to say. Patience would work for you in this case until your husband is able to understand that what you are trying to do is good for your marriage.

• It is important to remember that communication involves good listening. You must be the listener and give the attention that your husband needs as he tries to communicate with you.

• Make your communication a two way street; suggest to him to talk first and you will listen, then you should repeat what he said until both of you already understand each other, make sure that there are no misinterpretations about what was said.

• You may also communicate with your husband by writing him a letter. Write about how you feel about him and let him know how much you appreciate everything about him.

• If you are trying to communicate about a possible problem, focus on that topic, give a sample to make sure that your husband understands and give a possible solution which you would want to share with him. Let him know and feel that making decisions to solve a problem include him and you.

It would also be good to remember to have an open mind about everything that you want to communicate with your husband. You must be able to clearly communicate to him about your needs and requirements, and knowing about his as well.