Majoring on Communication

I have recently met a new friend that continues to serve my and make our lives easier…my friend’s name is Google Calendar. Let me introduce you. Google Calendar allows you, your spouse, and anyone else you wish to view the same calendar. An event pops up in your life, you post it to the family “Google Calendar” and now everyone who you desire to view it can see it. It is a dynamic family calendar that helps us keep our schedules coordinated.

Now, let me confess something to you. This past year has made us so busy that we need a Google Calendar. With pressing schedules, time to communicate can slowly drift off our radar and out of our lives. And so, let me encourage you to join me in a simple but profound endeavor…Majoring on Communication.

Though exceptions are expected, a day without intentionally talking with Gina is a day where our marriage has fallen short somewhere. It need not be major conversation or 2-3 hour long discussions. They’ll happen from time to time, but if they’re the norm nothing else will be getting done, which is a whole other problem.

Just 5 minutes here or 15 minutes there could make all the difference. Consider trying one of these ideas:

• When you first see each at the end of the work day, do whatever is necessary to talk for 10 minutes or so to update each other on your days. Catch up on the happenings of the family, the office, phone calls, etc. This will help you complete each day while on the same page instead of spending the rest of the night figuring the page out.

• Pick a night, other than date night, to talk about official household business. Make it routine…Wednesday nights, for instance. However, really protect date night. Don’t allow that night to be the night you discuss which plumber you’ll go with or even the color you’ll paint the Laundry Room. Those things need to be discussed, but not on your date. That’s what this Communication night is for.

• Keep a list of topics you need to discuss. As you go through your day and you say to yourself, “We ought to talk about that as a couple,” jot it down. Put it in your PDA, your phone, text each other, email each other or use a simple pen and paper. This will help avoid the last minute, “Oh, I forgot to tell you…” as the dinner guests are driving up the driveway.

Google Calendar can be a good friend for maintaining family calendars. However, no invention, tool, or friend can replace good communication. Your spouse is the most important person in your life…Majoring on Communication will help it stay that way.