Many couples dream of their most perfect wedding day long before they are even engaged.  Yet In the pre-wedding bliss many couples are swept away in the honeymoon phase and neglect the hard conversations that can save a relationship from future heartache. When we asked Rabbi Janice Mehring for advice for pre-marital couples she told us the way in which a couple communicates is key. Her profound yet simple advise is relevant to couples at any age or stage of life. Keep reading to discover 7 key points to developing thriving communication before the big day. 

"Commitment to another person requires not only love, but mindfulness, dedication and hard work."

"I often say that the wedding planning process shines a bright light on relationship dynamics between partners, their families of origin and their friends.  These dynamics don't automatically disappear once married life begins but show up often in their future life together.  If couples can use the stressful time of planning their wedding as their bootcamp for developing and practicing healthy communication patterns, they will be setting off on the right path toward a successful partnership over the long haul." 

"Researchers have found that communication style is the key.  The way in which you communicate, and argue, with your partner is an even more important indicator of a successful marriage outcome than your level of commitment, personality traits or stressful life events.  Constructive communication means you engage with each other kindly.  You learn to be an active listener, seeking to discover what your partner is feeling rather than problem solving or offering unsolicited advice.  After listening to you partner carefully, repeat back to them what your heard so you really express an understanding of the issues at hand.  You should even try to make your partner laugh."   

"The way in which you communicate, and argue, with your partner is an even more important indicator of a successful marriage outcome than your level of commitment, personality traits or stressful life events."

"This type of positive strategy does not mean you shouldn't talk about stressful or difficult subjects.  It is just the opposite. If you don't talk about these things, resentment and anger can be a result and there is nothing more destructive to a marriage. Couples that yell or resort to personal criticisms or those that withdraw from the discussion altogether are more likely to break up than couples that argue constructively. The key is learning to tackle difficult topics as a team, rather than as adversaries, in a positive and constructive way."   

"Couples that yell or resort to personal critcisms or those that withdraw from the discussion altogether are more likely to break up than couples that argue constructively."

"This positive nurturing communication style really is the key to a healthy and happy long term partnership. Check in with each other often.  Take time out from technology to really focus on each other and share deep conversations. The time to start this practice is long before you walk down the aisle."   

"The key is learning to tackle difficult topics as a TEAM, rather than as adversaries -- in a positive and constructive way."

7 Keys to Developing Thriving Communication 

1. Commitment to another person requires love, mindfulness, dedication and hard work.
2. Use the stressful time of planning your wedding as boot camp for developing and practicing healthy communication patterns.
3. The way you communicate (and argue) with your partner is an even more important indicator of a successful marriage outcome than your level of commitment, personality traits or stressful life events.  
4. Learn to be an active listener. Seeking to discover what your partner is feeling rather than problem solving or offering unsolicited advice. 
5. After listening, repeat back what you heard so you really express an understanding of the issues at hand.
6. Learn to tackle difficult topics as a team, rather than adversaries.
7. Check in often. Take time out from technology to focus on each other and share deep conversations.