It’s been observed that many couples respond to cancer in similar ways. Their responses are quantifiable. That’s what led to the writing of Couples Confronting Cancer, which has been written for all kinds of couples: those who have been together a long time, those who have recently started a relationship, and those who are married or not married, whether heterosexual or homosexual.

Some of the exercises in the Couples’ Corner Workbook are designed to improve communication. Some are designed to help with specific tasks, for example, the division of chores. Some are created to ease discussion of particularly difficult topics, such as sexuality or death.

This workbook may be useful immediately after diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment is completed. Below is an example of one of the exercises. This one may seem awkward and simplistic at first; however, it is the most important of all the exercises. As a caregiver, you may recognize it as a good exercise for any two people struggling to communicate during times of turmoil, not just cancer.

Learning to Listen

The goal of this exercise is to help couples communicate more clearly and more respectfully. Both partners take turns being the “speaker” and the “listener.”

The member of the couple assuming the speaker role will learn to use “I” statements, as well as to simplify and clarify statements, so that his or her partner can hear the full message behind the words being said.

The member of the couple assuming the listener role will practice carefully attending to his or her partner’s words and taking steps to make sure that the partner’s message is clearly understood.

Here are the steps couples are recommended to follow:

STEP ONE

Speaker: Begin by communicating a very simple message.

Communicate simply and clearly. Only communicate one “chunk” of information, rather than two or three messages that are linked together. Begin sentences with “I” rather than “You.”

Example: “I’m feeling really sick today, and I would appreciate it if you would pick up take-out food for yourself and the kids.”

STEP TWO

Listener: Repeat what you heard your partner say.

Rephrase the message until you get it exactly right. After you repeat what you have heard, ask your partner if you fully understood. This is not the time to respond to the message. You will have a turn to respond to the message. Part of your job is to refrain from responding defensively, disagreeing, or arguing with your partner. Don’t forget to ask your partner if you heard the message correctly.

Example: “You said that you want me to get take-out food because you are too sick to cook. Is that right?”

STEP THREE

Speaker: Make sure your partner understood your message correctly and fully.

If not, clarify the message. Do not add any more information until your partner has fully understood the meaning of the first “chunk.”

Example: “Right, but it’s not just that I don’t feel like cooking, I don’t even want to smell food cooking. I’m just too sick.”

STEP FOUR

Listener: Again, repeat what you have heard.

Expand on any part that is unclear, but not yet adding any information or responding in any way.

Example: “So you don’t want any cooking in the house. You want me to pick up some food for me and the kids.”

Speaker: “Yes, that’s right.”

STEP FIVE

Now trade places—switch roles.

This is the point when the listener has a chance to respond to the message. It is now the speaker’s turn to listen and not react.

New Speaker Example: “I know you want me to go out, but I’m too worn out. I’d prefer to make sandwiches or something that wouldn’t smell up the house but wouldn’t require me to go out again.”

New Listener Example: “You are tired and would prefer to stay in and make something easy. Is that right?”

New Speaker Example: “Yes, but I am willing to make something that you won’t have to smell, if that is helpful.”

New Listener Example: You would prefer not to go out because you are really tired, but you are willing to prepare something that I won’t have to smell. Thank you.”

Take turns as speaker and listener, communicating simple messages until the technique feels natural.

This is just one of many helpful exercises as well as a wealth of important information contained in Couples Confronting Cancer. Because couples are sometimes reluctant to embark on a self-help program such as this, encouragement from a caregiver can often help.

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Reprinted with permission from American Cancer Society. From Fincannon, JL, Bruss, KV. Couples Confronting Cancer: Keeping Your Relationship Strong. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2003. www.cancer.org/bookstore.