Words: 459
Article Critique: Self-Disclosure, Gender and Communication Sharlene Cruz COM200: Interpersonal Communcation Professor: Betty Cokeley November 17, 2011 Article Critique: Self-Disclosure, Gender, and Communication “Can we Talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in marriages” , this right off the bat would catch anyone’s attention. Most especially those who believe their marriage is in trouble due to a lack of communication. After all, isn’t communication a big part of marriage?
As the Terri Orbuch, research scientist at the Institue for Social Research at the University of Michigan puts it “Many couples think they are communicating with each other, when they sort out who will pick up the kids, pay the bills, or call the grandparents”, but that is not the kind of communication she is talking about”. She is talking about “quality communication”, meaning personal questions about your partner. For example “What is your favorite movie? and Why? ” Let’s use my marriage for an example.
My husband and I take time out to just talk at night, about our day, what we did, regardless if it is with work or just around the house. We discuss things about when we grew up, and things we did, the people we know, the issues that came up, and how we handled it. We never make decisions alone, everything from what is going to be paid to what we are going to do on family night. We even have a date night twice a month, where it’s just the two of us. We take turns deciding what and where we will go.
The favorite lately has been cooking something at home and heading down to the beach for a night time swim, and dinner, or spear fishing. My husband and I have grown to love each more, and have learned to always be open and honest with each other. When we do argue, we have learned it is best to walk away, calm down, then talk about it later, but never go to bed mad. When it comes to disciplining the boys, both of which are his step children, he feels it is necessary that we even discuss that. As he puts it, I am sometimes to strict and unreasonable.
When they do something wrong, I believe in grounding them, taking away their privileges, and more chores then normal. My husband disagrees, says the punishment should depend on the offense. I feel we are both at the point in our lives, where we are comfortable enough to talk about almost anything; after all, a girl has to have a few secrets. Reference: NARA SCHOENBERG. (2011, February 6). Can we talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in marriages. Houston Chronicle,p. 7. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 2260839481).