FamilyLife Blended®

Are you interested in stronger relationships? Here’s a tip: Gently, say what you need.

We all have needs in relationships. A spouse will barrage their mate with an avalanche of words, but never simply say, “I need more time with you.” A teenager will break a few rules and be obstinate instead of saying, “I don’t like who I am; I need more encouragement from you.” Or a stepparent who feels rejected by a stepchild might withdraw instead of admitting they feel awkward. Being direct and transparent can be clumsy but getting to the point makes connection far more likely.