In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy for genuine communication to fall by the wayside, especially in romantic relationships. Yet, the power of truly listening to your partner can be transformative. This story, inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's deep listening technique, illustrates how deep listening saved a struggling marriage and rekindled a deep connection between two partners. I learned about this story from a former student of mine who attended one of my listening courses.

My former student has been married to her partner for seven years. In the early years, she said, their relationship was filled with joy, excitement, and energy. However, as the years passed, the demands of work, raising children, pursuing a master's degree for my student while her partner pursued his bachelor's degree, and managing household responsibilities took a toll on their relationship. They found themselves arguing frequently, feeling disconnected, and contemplating separation. My student said that she and her partner felt unheard and misunderstood by one another.

My student reached out to me for advice. She felt that listening was one of the most powerful practices she learned in her........

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