Intimacy and Heart Disease: Communication Tips
Intimacy and Heart Disease: Communication
Tips
To help you listen to each other’s
feelings, try this “talker and listener” method. First, one person is the talker,
and the
other is the listener. Then you change roles.
Tips for better
communication
-
As the talker, tell your
partner up to 3 things you are feeling.
Start your statements with “I” and
keep them short. You might say something like, “I’m afraid that if we make love,
I’ll get tired and have to stop.”
-
Your partner listens. They do
not say anything until you are done speaking.
-
Then your partner tells you in
their own words what you said. You just listen.
-
Now change roles. Your partner
becomes the talker while you listen.
Then tell your partner in your own
words what you heard.
Repeat this exercise as many
times as you like. Practice at least 3 times a week.
Getting help
Talk with your healthcare provider if you and your partner are not
sure about having sex again. Also ask your provider about sexual counseling. Sexual
counseling may be helpful. It can help you address many sexual concerns you and your
partner may have.
Online Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2022
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