In this final segment on listening, I want each of us to understand this great truth: "Listening Builds Trust With The Speaker" . When the husband takes the time to listen honestly and completely to his wife, then he has established a great degree of trust with her. Where there is trust there is freedom to open completely the heart and to lay all issues on the table. Only then can true and meaningful commun-ication take place. Trust is to communication what the heart is to the body: without it the relationship dies. When I am listened too without interruption, criticism, or rejection, I feel that my views are important, my issues have validity, and my heart is accepted. Therefore, trust is the bond that holds the marriage together through thick and thin. Trust is a shelter, an anchor, and a safe harbor from the storms of life that would destroy. Trust is the elastic that allows the marriage to stretch and expand, but yet pulls each other back together again. Trust is the contract that stands as a binding agreement of each other's love and commitment. Without trust the marriage will grow stagnant at best and dissolve at worse. When you listen sincerely to your mate you establish a strong bond of trust. Remember: "Listening Builds Trust With The Speaker".
