September 1, 2019
Nowadays, that calendar is on your phone. Even to the point that Siri, Alexxa or Google tells you what your schedule is. While there are certainly downfalls to tech, this can be embraced by a couple struggling with communication. The goal for all couples to be on the same page. So the easiest way to get on the same page is to sync your calendar. You can easily avoid arguments over missed appointments, miscommunication, completing tasks, forgotten performances, broken promises, etc. A child can be left waiting at school after a sports practice because both parents thought the other was going to pick them up. For some, this once in a lifetime story can mutate and become a template, something that is common or expected, as well as the conflict afterwards. Basic conflicts that can be solved is the accountability question of where someone is or where they have been.
The calendar is an effective tool for the premarital couple and for the couple that is struggling. They are developing skills and building time for functional behavior. Also, we are trying to get ahead of the most common types of conflict. The goal is to create good exchanges and eliminate as many opportunities for reactive responses.
The idea is simple: everybody knows where everyone is or supposed to be.
Whether it is on paper, smart phones or on a big corkboard in a central room, the calendar needs to be accessible and visible. The idea is simple: everybody knows where everyone is and/ or supposed to be. The content of the calendar should be updated weekly (preferably on a Sunday evening, the beginning of the week). If changes are made, obviously make sure everyone knows.
The calendar becomes the silent partner in the room and serves as a safety net to support the couple. Couples should know is how limited their time is. There is a choice every couple has with their time together (what little time there is after work, children and life responsibilities). You can spend time building the emotional connection or dealing with conflict. When there is conflict, especially unresolved conflict, people make time to argue. That conflict robs the couple of what they are looking for individually. For those who have a standard 9 to 5 schedule, they can look forward to and enjoy their evenings and weekends instead of dreading the conflict.
So put an end to small arguments by improving the communication between the both of you.