Years ago when I was working in a mental health center, I served
on a committee that was redesigning the communications systems.
In one meeting, a committee member named Susan said, “The
receptionists sound frantic when they answer the phone. They
need to learn to give each caller their complete attention, even
when they’re multi-tasking.”
Now that’s a goal to aspire to. There’s just one problem: It’s
impossible! Either you’re multi- tasking or you’re giving your
full attention, but not both. Nonetheless, lot of us set out to
achieve this impossible goal every day. At work you can get away
with giving people less than your full attention. Generally
speaking, your customers and colleagues are not seeking a deep
emotional connection with you. But at home, it’s a different
story. Stop for a moment and think: Does it feel like there’s
more tension in your marriage than there used to be? Does your
partner seem to have developed a new set of annoying habits? Or
do you just have a vague sense that your relationship isn’t as
juicy and satisfying as it used to be? Consider the possibility
that there’s an attention shortage in your marriage.
Pure attention nourishes us in a way that nothing else can. One
Saturday, I was working on a speech I had to give the next week
and I was feeling the pressure. I heard a little voice calling
from the doorway of my office: “Cla-a-a-aire!” It was my step-
daughter, Kristina.
“Not now, Honey,” I said, typing frantically, “I’ve really got
to get this done.”
A couple of minutes later, I heard it again. “Cla-a-a-
aire!”
“Look, I’ll talk to you in 5 minutes. I really need to
concentrate now.”
“Cla-a-a-aire!”
Exasperated, I finally stopped typing and turned to look at her.
“All right, what do you want?”
Kristina smiled at me and waved. “Hi!” Then she scampered
off.
We grownups are really no different. We all need regular doses
of undivided attention to make us feel close, connected, and
loved. Here are three guidelines for increasing this kind of
attention in your marriage.
Say What You See
You might have taken communication classes where they tell you
to ask open ended questions, such as, How did you feel when your
boss cancelled the project?”
Questions are great, but sometimes you can make people feel more
deeply understood by showing that you already get it.
Let her know you notice her behavior. “You seem pretty quiet
today.” And then go a step further by guessing how she feels: “I
wonder if you’re feeling disappointed because your boss
cancelled that project.” If you’re right, she’ll get that
wonderful feeling that someone else understands. If you’re
wrong, just let her explain what’s really going on.
The key to this technique is humility. You wonder if that’s how
she feels. Never confuse this with telling her how she feels, a
surefire way to sabotage your connection!
Be Willing to Be Surprised
One casualty of a long-term relationship is listening with an
open mind. After all, when you know someone well, you become
accustomed to the themes in his conversation. And yet, he still
has the capacity to surprise you, if you let him. He’s still a
growing, changing being who’s learning new things and dealing
with new concerns all the time. To really give your partner pure
attention, mentally set aside your expectations about what he’s
going to say and stay open. I guarantee you that he’ll feel the
difference.
Make the First Move
If there’s an attention shortage in your marriage, you might be
feeling like you’re running on empty and you have nothing to
give. And you’re waiting for your partner to fill your tank, so
that you can feel more loving. The trouble is, she’s feeling
exactly the same way. You could be stuck here for a long time!
It only takes one of you to put your marriage back on the road
to deeper connection. Why not decide it’s going to be you?
Leave the multi-tasking at work. That’s what it was invented
for. At home, it’s not about how much you get done, it’s about
how much you connect. Give your partner what he longs for
most–your complete attention–and see what happens.