Could "Clutter Dating" catch on a way to help couples improve their marriage?
Since I wrote about Alan & I's clutter date over the holiday weekend, a few people have commented that they are going to try it too! Funny how I didn't think much about it till someone else noticed. : ) I'm thinking I'm going to start including that as a strategy to keep clutter under control in my workshops!
Clutter Dating can also be a great way to get married couples to reconnect and communicate better. There is nothing like working toward a common goal to get you back on the same page with your spouse. Discussing what is important enough to keep, and why or why not, also opens up the lines of communication and helps you practice really listening to each other.
The key to a successful Clutter Date is to discuss any disagreements rationally - to really listen to understand why the other person wants what they want. Of course, you also have to really think about and express why you want what you want! No just saying: "Because I do!" That is the fastest way to shut down communication and turn your Clutter Date into a Disaster. Ground rules are important to make this work. For example:
- NO name calling
- NO yelling
- Be patient
- Respect each other's opinions
- If one person really wants something, and it doesn't HURT the other to do it, give the person what they want!
- Go for the win-win - try to make yourself AND each other happy.
So go forth, set some goals and ground rules and have a great Clutter Date working on them!
Link: European Underachiever Tails: NEAT LIVING BLOG - Neat Ideas for Living.
