This fact sheet explains the reasons married couples sometimes have difficulty communicating, urges couples to realize that a positive attitude and a win-win mentality will help, and recommends couples take a break from a discussion if communication becomes too difficult. Ground rules for communicating a message are then discussed and include: pick the right time, begin a conversation in a positive, non-threatening way; speak for yourself; be short and to the point; avoid making assumptions; stop, pause, and listen; and move on once you are sure your message has been understood.