Have Millennials Mastered the Art of Communication in Relationships?
You don’t need to look far these days to find that millennials are being condemned for killing many aspects of modern culture. Older Americans are quick to point their fingers at millennials blaming them for the demise of everything from breakfast cereal to breastaurants. Yet there is one age-old institution that’s thriving thanks to millennials: long-lasting marriages.

It’s true that millennials are marrying far less frequently compared to older generations. And those who do choose to walk down the aisle, are waiting longer to do so. A recent report from the University of Maryland found an 18 percent decline in the national divorce rate from 2008 to 2016. The research suggests this is partially because younger Americans want to have a stable life before taking the plunge. Perhaps there is more to the story?
Those who are getting hitched are more likely to remain together than their parents or grandparents. Although millennials aren’t saying “I do” as often as their forebears did. Could these couples be staying married for the sake of family, finances, or the convenience of a shared Netflix account? Or could it be that today’s young adults are more skilled at the art of communication in marriage?
The Undeniable Importance of Communication in Marriage
An integral aspect of any romantic relationship is clear communication. When a relationship is serious the way partners speak to one another is essential for maintaining a healthy commitment. But perhaps more important than how a couple communicates is what they talk about, especially when wedding bells are ringing. That’s the main takeaway from 8 Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by John Gottman Ph. D., Julie Schwartz Gottman Ph.D., Doug Abrams, and Rachel Carlton Abrams MD.
Eight Dates
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
In the book the authors detail eight topics that every serious couple should discuss prior to taking the next step in their relationship. To thrive for decades beyond their nuptials these intentional conversations might be necessary. Those can establish a solid foundation for a couple’s future. The themes of these conversations include:
- Trust and commitment
- Conflict resolution
- Physical intimacy
- Finances and housework
- Procreation and parenthood
- Recreation and adventure
- Personal and spiritual growth
- Goals for the future
8 Dates can be an invaluable read for couples on the brink of betrothal. But it might not provide much guidance for those who have already verbalized their vows. Individuals already in lifelong commitments can find marriage-saving insights in other enlightening books.
Tips on How to Make a Relationship Last
A commitment to compromise and a dedication to avoiding divorce can go a long way toward keeping a couple together. But is that enough to keep a marriage alive for the long haul? Quality communication in relationships is the best way to cultivate and sustain a happy marriage that lasts till death do you part.
With that in mind, here are some key tips from today’s top-selling books about love and marriage.
Realize that communication in relationships isn’t always spoken
In The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, author Gary Chapman explains how communication consists of more than mere words. He describes that different people perceive and demonstrate love in different ways. Body language, tone of voice, and other forms of expression can be just as important — if not more so — than the words your partner audibly utters.
The 5 Love Languages
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
Furthermore, Chapman explains how the feeling of falling in love fades away. To survive such tough times, it’s essential for spouses to communicate in their partner’s love language. Authentic love is a choice that means adopting a different attitude and an alternate way of thinking. Partners need to understand this to work through differences and fulfill each other’s emotional needs.
Be Constructive, Not Critical
In another of Chapman’s books, Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away: Real Help for Desperate Hearts in Difficult Marriages, the author underscores the importance of constructive rather than critical communication. Especially during instances when your spouse fails to live up to your expectations. It’s easy to become hypercritical of your partner when such situations arise. Although that approach rarely leads to a happy ending. Constructive communication, on the other hand, is key to finding a satisfying resolution.
Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Along those same lines, it’s important to note that sometimes the only way to get through to your partner is by shocking them with a bold, unexpected action that conveys your frustration about an issue. Chapman advises a rather surprising approach when words fall short. He explains that framing problems in a shocking way can address challenges in your relationship. And once your partner truly grasps the fact that there is a problem, they’re more likely to do something about it.
Avoid Taking Everyday Interactions for Granted

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
Romance endures when you let your spouse know you value them more than the doldrums of daily life. Insignificant instances of “turning toward” your partner can make a dramatic difference. Make a habit of sharing such considerate moments, and always express gratitude for the attention your partner gives you. Strive to find pleasure in idle conversation rather than dismissing it as quotidian chitchat.
Make Sure the Time You Spend Together Is Meaningful
In The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work, Eli J. Finkel explains that a happy marriage isn’t merely about spending time together. It’s about paying attention to your partner and making an effort to understand what they are going through. Don’t let your Smartphone suck up all your attention. Time together on your phones isn’t going to bring closeness or understanding into your relationship.
The All-or-Nothing Marriage
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Devoting attention to each other is crucial for the health of any marriage. The authors note that couples who engage in the same leisure activities are far less likely to split up. Active engagement with your spouse is especially important following the birth of a first child. It’s the same after a relationship has experienced a period of considerable stress.
Aim for Quality Communication in Relationships
As elder millennials approach their 40s, will the nation’s divorce rate continue to drop? It’s tough to say how the future will unfold. But this is certain: effective communication in relationships is critical to achieve a climate of authentic love. Being aware of your and your partners communication style you can develop a better understanding of each other. This way you can fall in love time and time again.
A communication breakdown is among the most common causes of relationship problems. Such obstacles aren’t inevitable. Are you eager to learn more about how to have a healthy relationship? Blinkist has a broad selection of titles to help you thrive during every stage of romance. Millennial or the grandparent of one, don’t waste any time. Learn how to master your love life by diving into any of these above titles today.