No matter how smoothly communication flows between couples, there ...

[NClaborn]

No matter how smoothly communication flows between couples, there will be times when interests will diverge. It is at times like these that couples are often unknowingly involved in negotiations. What is the key to successful negotiations?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

In their book entitled, Couple Skills: Making Your Relationship Work, the authors McKay, Fanning, and Paleg (2006, pp. 57-61) list the Ten Commandments of Clean Communication.. List the four parts of the commandment Use whole messages..
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[flexer1n1]

Answer to Question 1

The key to successful negotiations is to recognize that it is a normal part of maintaining intimate relationships. When we think of negotiations we often think of two lawyers with briefcases sitting across from each other at a large conference table. However, in everyday life the process consists of a periodic series of ongoing informal exchanges. If each party engages in clean communication; the parties both express their wants, needs, and interests; they maintain a flexible attitude; and they search for similarities and common ground; then the chances for them to reach a mutually satisfying outcome are high.

Answer to Question 2

The four parts are (1) observations (i.e., neutral statements of fact like it rained yesterday), (2) thoughts (i.e., I statements about one's personal understandings such as My idea is.... or I was wondering about.... or The way it seemed to me was.... and so forth), (3) feelings (i.e., I statements that identify one's emotions such as for example, I feel frustrated or I am excited), and (4) needs, desires, and wants (i.e., I statements such as I want to feel closer to you or I need some relief from all this stress, etc.).

[NClaborn]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[recede]

Great answer, keep it coming