Good communication is an important part of all relationships and is an essential part of maintaining the balance of the business of a relationship (paying the bills, raising the kids, decision-making making, and more) and the fun of the relationship (enjoyment with each other, knowing each other intimately, doing life together). Now, let's be realistic; I don't care who you are and how long you have been head over heels in love; all relationships have ups and downs, I mean that's just a part of life and life with another individual. Backgrounds and upbringings, personalities and personal preferences, childhood wounds, and adult pains, and likes and dislikes all play a part in the challenges that can happen amongst two people who enter into a covenant.

A healthy communication style can make it easier to deal with conflict and build a stronger and healthier partnership. Having been married for 19 + years (starting at the tender age of 20), CEO of multiple businesses, and a mom of 3 teens who happen to all be hitting the same stages of life, around the same time - I have truly discovered how bad things can get in even what may seem to be the smallest matters when communication is off track.

Communicating with grace goes beyond just saying nice things. It's about weaving kindness, respect, and understanding into all your interactions. Some key elements of graceful communication are...