By Prince Mabvurira

Good communication is an indispensable facet intrinsic to the fundamental survival of lasting relationships as much as it is a trusted fortification against possible heartbreak caused by marital infidelity and Multiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCPs).

Good communication includes discussing not only your feelings but the interests of your partner as well. Domestic financial stress, Western-style individualism and women empowerment have seen many women participating actively in the job market, consequently marriage partners may have less time for one another due to contrasting work schedules.

Be that as it may, married partners should reserve enough time for each other lest they tragically become independent of one another. This kind of independence is detrimental to the relationship because spouses may feel compelled to seek sympathetic companionship outside the marriage arrangement usually under the illusion that they would find love there.

Perilous independence can be avoided if the relationship is built on good communication. Introducing another partner not only contaminates the relationship but also put both partners at high risk of HIV/Aids infection.

Sharing is not always caring and as a human species people do not share well when it comes to relationships.

The way husbands and wives communicate is also of paramount importance because as the Bible says, “Peasant sayings are…sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”.

Good communication flourishes when there are:

• Gently spoken words
• Gracious gestures
• Kindness
• Tenderness
• Understanding.

Understanding entails that spouses listen to each other’s needs and solving disputes cordially.

It is two-way communication traffic. Husbands should consider it an opportunity for self introspection and to judge the cleverness of their own judgments when arguments ensue in the bedroom.

They must remember that at one time God instructed Abraham to listen to his wife and he did (Genesis 21:12) More over, maintaining good communication in a relationship ensures that both husband and wife feel free to make their needs known to each other and can thus be a source of mutual comfort and help to each other in times of disappointment and stress.

Sex should never be considered a taboo subject in a relationship. However, it is sad that some men are willing victims of the vulgar illusion that their wives are cheating on them if they suggest a deviation from the normal sex routine.

Open communication, along with patience is essential in marriage as such couples should be free to discuss their sexual relationship because selfishness can seriously damage this most intimate relationship in marriage.. When each partner unselfishly seeks the well being of each, sex is rarely a serious matter.

Promoting honest communication in a relationship helps in the reduction of the destructive multiple concurrent partnerships. Many people are forced into the vicious web of MCPs because of disillusionment in marriage. Poor communication is the ultimate cause of all disillusionment.

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