1. Try to understand the real message your spouse is trying to express and don't concentrate on words alone.

2. Keep the volume of your voice under control. Speak loud enough to be heard, but never exaggerate.

3. Don't speak all the time, but give your spouse a chance to express his or her own feelings.

4. Try to never interrupt your spouse.

5. Avoid cutting reproches or cutting remarks to your spouse, especially in front of other people. Consider how you would appreciate being treated like that.

6. Get home on time and do your best to make family plans  a success.

7. Allow your spouse to have some quiet time alone for himself or herself.