Successful marriage is founded on communication. This is even more vital in arranged marriages, as couples might not have had a lot of time to form deep emotional bonds before getting married. This can make it difficult for couples in arranged marriages to communicate, get to know one another and develop a strong partnership. Arranged marriages bring families together by tradition, and this is good because it does have a level of togetherness among its members but then again we need intimacy too. Lets face the fact that couples in arranged marriage do not invest much on their relationship yet no one could perfect communication if there will never be any effort from both parties so when advisable works for connection than try this option as well?
For Some, Communication is Anything But NaturalCommunication does not always come easily for two reasons. The first reason calls attention to just how vastly different the expectations and norms of communication are from one person to another due largely in part because of both their cultural backgrounds and personal ways they have related over time. Communication, for most of us is a learned skill (and not intuitive). Seeking therapy is one way to navigate the complexities, and can ensure both partners are being heard, understood and acknowledged.
We are going to take a look at some of the barriers people face with arranged marriages when it comes communicating, how therapy can be beneficial in relationships like these and what you should know about making strides today.
Common Communication Barriers in Arranged Marriages
Those cultural values and family expectations are the backbone of arranged marriages that become legally binding arrangements before two people even develop personal chemistry or enter romantically involved. Because of this, couples can have trouble lolRead more problems communicating… such as:
Lack of Emotional Connection
For arranged marriage couples, they may not have had much time to forge an emotional bond prior to the relationship. The result of this is that both parties may struggle with really knowing how the other requires emotional filling, which can help true communication. If these fundamental lines of communication are muddled, then partners can begin to feel as if they have no connection and feel uncomfortable speaking openly about how long now emotions.
Social and Familial Pressures
In the case of arranged marriages, there are heavy constraints carrying forward from culture, religion and family. Partners may then feel pressure to live up to these external expectations, which can be at odds with what they actually desire and need for themselves. This can make it tough to have open and honest conversations without taking the conversation personally.
Fear of Conflict
Because of the family tie-up in case of arranged marriage, you may find it more difficult to fight with your partner. Some couples may avoid controversial issues or criticism out of fear that their partner will be upset, and families may have different opinions. A fear of confrontation which could manifest itself in other problems that will stack up over time to much bigger picture things.
Everyone has a Their Own Style of Communicating
In an arranged marriage, both the groom and bride have different life experiences which can affect their methods of communicating. The first partner, perhaps the more direct and assertive of the two sets limits one way; but few or no time constraints are set by Partner 2 who may be just a bit too passive (read avoidant). When ignored these differences can be a source of misunderstanding and even frustration.
Gender Roles and Expectations
There is also the cultural factor where traditional gender roles dictate how men and women interact. Society may see women as conforming to a more submissive role, while through hurlers males individual also be pressurized to fill the domain. It makes communication challenging, as one partner often feels like they cannot express their thoughts or fears.
How Therapy Can Help Improve Communication in Arranged Marriages
For arranged couples therapy can be a life saver in saving them from what some would call the nightmare of their relationship. A therapist can assist couples in identifying their unique struggles, learning to communicate effectively and allowing both partners the opportunity (and freedom) to be heard. Here’s how therapy can help:
Establising a Sacred Trust to Communicate Freely
A therapist: gives an environment that is completely neutral and safe for both partners to say how they truly feel. Especially in instances of arranged marriages,our partners may feel less willing to communicate openly if they believe their judgment might be feared from the partner or family. Therapy fosters honesty and vulnerability that is tantamount for establishing trust and a better ground of communication possible.
Instruction on Communication Skills
Good communication is a skill, and it’s one many people raised in arranged marriages never had the chance to learn. This is where therapists can come in; they provide concrete relationship skills that help them communicate more systematically which include expressing themselves in straightforward terms, accurately hearing what their partner needs from them. Techniques like active listening, “I” statements and empathy practice.
Addressing Underlying Issues
It is common that problematic communication are a mere indication of issues rooted much deeper in the relationship. It might be grudges we hold or things left unsaid, unaccomplished expectations, the list is endless. Therapists just help the couple to see that what they do and experienced those negative feelings is all their behaviour come from a problem, not them as persons.
Adapting to Family and Cultural Pressures
Counselors also assist couples in dealing with the perplexing nature of a family and society tradition in an arranged marriage. This can mean creating better boundaries with extended family, making it a point to choose your relationship over other influences from the outside world or incorporating cultural values into their partnership without sacrificing communication and honesty.
Improving Emotional Intimacy
Effective communication comes from emotional intimacy. Couples in arranged marriages can benefit from therapy to develop emotional intimacy and get comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. This result in better communication since partners understand each other more as emotional closeness develops.
Steps to Improve Communication in Your Arranged Marriage
Although therapy can provide so much support in this area, there are things that couples can try at home to work on better communication. So, what are some ways to communicate more effectively with your significant other?
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is paying full attention to what your partner is saying, not just waiting until they finish because you want the opportunity to give an answer. No with your eyes, by saying right back at ya or providing evidence that you are hearing and listening to the conversation. When you listen actively, it tells your partner that their thoughts and feelings are important which of course is a huge component in increasing trust levels between the both of you.
Use “I” Statements
When talking about challenging subjects or expressing your feelings, try to use an “I” statement and not a “you”. Instead of saying “You always make decisions without me,” try saying, “I feel left out when you don’t include me in your plans. Doing so suspends judgment and makes sure that your partner communicates openly (and non-defensively).
Schedule Regular Talks
When you have the distractions of everyday life, communication can be difficult. Schedule time with your partner to discuss the state of your relationship, how you are feeling and any issues bothering you. All that time which is dedicated towards each other will help avoid misunderstandings thus both partners are heard.
Be Patient and Compassionate
Communication gets better with time and this may be more of a process in an arranged marriage where it takes longer to build emotional intimacy. Give yourself and your partner some time, communicate gently. Both of you can barely walk through this relationship without tripping over yourselves, so fuck up as much a…
Imagine What You Require From A Professional
If communication problems remain despite all your efforts, consider going to couples counseling. A therapist offers helpful tools and support to break down those communication barriers you need to move through in order for your relationship with the other person whom is so challenging so that it no longer defines how instrumental a reflection of life experience gets played out.
Conclusion
It is always a work in progress to better communication of an arranged marriage. efforts, recreated results take time and effort as well cannot be instant fixes like romantic relationships hence no one can just walk away from it we all have o move forward with this commitment for lifetime. Couples can begin to develop trust, understanding and emotional intimacy with therapy that takes into account common barriers in communication between men and women using effective talking strategies. It equips a couple with the tools and support to address these unique challenges, helping them connect on a deeper level where they can better communicate down the line.
If this is the part of your arranged marriage relationship where you seem to be struggling with communication, contacting a professional who has helped so many couples develop these skills can help guide your way. Find out how therapy can help you through this process at All in the Family Counselling.
