We all long to find comfort, trust, and friendship in marriage. This is the work of marriage staying connected cultivating trust and friendship.  Here are three characteristics that you need to stay connected.

1. Accessible – You are emotionally open and Accessible when you are open and honest, willing to listen, willing to be a friend, willing to show your true self. Each partner must be willing to listen, really listen and if asked, give advice.
2.  Responsive – You are tuned in and Responsive to each other when you or your spouse are anxious or unsure you can lean on each other.  You feel so connected that you are able to come back to each other after arguments or stress.
3. Engaged – Couples are deeply Engaged with each other when they feel like they can confide in their partner and feel close to them even when they are apart. You know that your partner cares about your joys, hurts, and fears and you feel close and safe with them.  

Every couple needs to grow in these areas.  Relationships deal with struggles and stages in marriage but need to work at staying connected.  If you want to learn more you can take a questionnaire by subscribing to our newsletter that will show how you are doing with Accessibility, Responsiveness and Engagement.  

Subscribe to our newsletter and download the Accessibility, Responsiveness and Engagement Questionnaire.  This can be a helpful tool to show how connected you are and feel as a couple

This information comes from marriage expert Dr. Sue Johnson, in her book Hold Me Tight. Sue Johnson is the creator of the effective Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT).