Relationship Information

Learning about being with other people happens in different and subtle ways as we grow up in our families, make friends, make commitments and begin and end relationships.

Services from providers may cover, include programs for:

• Pre-Marriage Education
• Marriage and Relationship Enrichment
• Re-partnering
• Personal development (e.g. conflict management, effective communication, self esteem and improving relationships)
• Parenting for: individuals, couples, groups, schools, family maintenance, stepfamilies, fathers' (men's), programs and parenting after separation.

At these times we are open to learning and this is when relationship education has a part to play.
All programs are facilitated by skilled, experienced adult educators.

Providers
Centacare Catholic Family and Community Services
Suite 50/207 Currumburra Road Ashmore
ASHMORE QLD 4212
Ph: 07 5556 9900
Fax: 07 5556 9999
Email: ash@centacarebrisbane.net.au

Relationships Australia (Queensland)
58 Hope Street
SOUTH BRISBANE QLD  4101
Phone: 07 3217 2900
National Client Services Number 1300 364 277
Fax: 07 3255 2922
Email: admin@relategld.asn.au
Email form:www.relationships.com.au/faq/question.asp
Website: www.relationships.com.au/
Services Details online: www.relationships.com.au/services/landing.asp

Interesting Article.

Good communication in a relationship is more than just the words you use.  It’s about how you treat each other.  Think how you like to be treated when you’re talking to someone.  You want the other person to listen to you like your opinions matter, right?  Well, the person you’re about to marry wants the same thing.  

Engaged and newly-married couples often think that because they’re in love, communication should be easy.  The reality is, good communication takes some practice.  Couples also assume that once they’re married, they won’t have to tell each other what they want and need in the relationship.  Not true! You’ll definitely need to talk to each other about what makes you feel closer and what pushes you apart. 

For many newlyweds, the first year of marriage feels like a new stage in their relationship.  That new stage can be very exciting, but also stressful sometimes.  In fact, it’s not uncommon for newlyweds to have disagreements as they get used to the newness of making decisions as a married couple.  This is true even for couples that live together before the wedding.  

What’s important is how you two talk through those disagreements.  Nobody in the relationship should ever feel put down, silenced, or threatened by the other person’s words or actions during a disagreement.  If this happens, it’s a sign that something about the way you two talk to each other isn’t loving or respectful.     

When a couple communicates with each other in a loving, respectful way, both people get a chance to talk and listen.  The time they set aside for discussing things helps them make decisions together and handle problems before they get bigger.  Think about how you discuss important things in your relationship.  Can you two make decisions together and handle problems by talking to each other?            

If you’re like most couples, you could use some help in the communication department.  Here are some tips for talking to each other that you can start practicing as a couple today:

Be upfront with each other. 

Three of the topics newlyweds fight about most are money, domestic chores, and sex.  The time to start being open and honest about these and other important topics is now, before you’re married. 

Be specific.  Discuss things like how bills will be handled, who will do what around the house, and what you’re both expecting from the sexual part of your relationship after you’re married.  You might be surprised at each other’s answers!            

Talk about problems that can get your relationship into trouble.

Problems and hurt feelings don’t go away if you ignore them.  You’ll need to work together to change things that could push you apart.  But, you have to agree to talk about problems without turning the discussion into a personal attack.  You’ll know it’s a personal attack when somebody uses put-down words like “stupid,” or “lazy,” and nobody feels safe talking. 

And, if a fight gets hurtful, it’s always a good idea to say to each other, “I’m sorry.”  Even if you don’t say it right away, say it as soon as you can.

Talk about the things that bring you closer.

One of the most powerful things you can communicate to each other is why you feel lucky to be together.  This is a nice thing to do on your wedding day, but don’t stop there!  Say what you appreciate about each other as often as possible for the rest of your lives together. 

Everyone likes to feel valued and special.  This is why it feels so good to hear words like, “Thank you,” and, “I love you.”                           

Remember, the best thing you can do for your marriage is be good to each other.  

Congratulations to you both!