The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Couples (Habit 4: Think Win/Win

Written By shane smith

Always thinking its my way or the highway? Think again. Consider a better way, a solution that benefits you AND your partner and cooperate for mutual long-term benefit. Imagine yourself responding in a mature, wise, self controlled manner. Choose a positive response and think win/win and work effectively with your partner. Discover a better way and discover the intimacy that ensues.

Habit 4: Think Win/Win

Habit 4 is the first of the Habits dealing with what Covey calls interdependence - working effectively with your partner. This is the habit of always looking for a solution that benefits you AND your partner. It's not your way or my way; it's a better way, a higher way.

In marriage, Habit 4 reminds you about how to respond to your partner. Be compassionate and share recognition and power. Through implementing Habit 1, resist criticism and contempt. Again as Gottman says, err from defensiveness and stonewalling and imagine yourself responding in a mature, wise, self controlled manner. Choose the positive response and imagine hope and faith.

Drop the usual win-lose mentality and think abundance for both you and your partner - cooperate for mutual long-term benefit. Whilst Win/Lose is socially acceptable, reassess YOUR usual attitude. Learn and practice Win/Win in your marriage and discover the better way and the intimacy that it creates.

Tune in next week for Habit 5.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the new video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM

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