Course Description

Couples Communications Can be Tricky

So, I share my years of trial, lots of errors and overall crone wisdom.

Personal Note from Marla: 

If you're in it for the long haul, you want to be sure that your relationship continues to grow and thrive along with your ability to express your needs. My husband of 30+ years and I have learned to do this and here I share with you some highlights and solid techniques that you can apply immediately.

My career expertise is in training & development of workplace conflict resolution systems and customer service. After the tremendously successful launch of my online course Manage Volunteer Conflicts with Courage, Compassion & Clarity, I got lots of requests for a version for personal relationships. And, more specifically for love relationships. So, here you go!

They say the first 30 years are the hardest, so I'll keep you updated. 😉 


Here's more about what you'll learn:

Courage: Meet Each Situation with Confident Bravery


  • Put conflict in perspective and increase growth and intimacy!
  • Plan Your Conversation Outcomes
  • Ask 6 questions: When to confront and when to 'let it go'



Compassion: Conflict does not mean being angry or a wimp


  • Discover how conflict signals what is 'missing' for the other party
  • Increase empathy even when you don't agree
  • Powerful language choices and more...


Clarity is critical to optimal outcomes


  • Convey issues without getting 'mean'
  • Be crystal clear of your expectations - and how to state them
  • Know when you've met equal agreements - and, make them stick


Target Audience

Humans in committed relationships OR

 those looking to do better next time OR

 those reflecting on how they could have done better last time.


Course Requirements


There are no formal requirements for this course. You may participate in this course on your own or as a couple.

Course Duration: 57 minutes


NOTE: If you are concerned that there may be serious issues in your relationship that may include any form of abuse, please seek professional help.

Conflict Coach, Consultant & Mediator

Marla Benson, SPHR

Marla Benson is known for contributing to the success of many leading organizations (Disney Resorts, eHarmony, Microsoft, Girl Scouts) with her communications, customer service and conflict management coaching & training. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Certified Mediator she has created the groundbreaking Volunteer Conflict Management System℠ out of sheer necessity (and a smidgen of desperation) while serving as an executive with a leading youth organization supporting tens of thousands of girls and volunteers.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction and more about your Instructor

    • Welcome!
  • 2

    Course Overview and Agenda

    • Course Agenda
  • 3

    Couples Rules of the Road Bonus

    • Relationship Rules
  • 4

    Why We Procrastinate on Having the Conversation

    • Why We Procrastinate
  • 5

    Healthy Conflict Leads to Greater Intimacy

    • How Conflict Brings Your Relationship to a Higher Level
  • 6

    How to Be Brave in Preparing for a Conversation

    • Be Brave
  • 7

    Conversation Tone

    • Define and Adjust the Tone of Your Conversations
  • 8

    What is Your Conflict Style?

    • Your Conflict Style
  • 9

    Core Needs - Yours and Your Partners

    • What you NEED
  • 10

    Empathy - What it Really Means in Your Relationship

    • Deep Empathy
  • 11

    Get What You Want by Understanding What Your Partner Wants

    • Positioning What's In It For Them
  • 12

    What to Say

    • Preparing Compassionate Language
  • 13

    Time & Place for Difficult Conversations

    • Increase Clear Outcomes by Choosing Conversation Time & Place
  • 14

    How to Put Your Finger on the Issues

    • How to Strip Out the Emotion
  • 15

    Activity: Your Turn

    • Activity
  • 16

    Be Clear About What Outcomes You Desire

    • Outcomes
  • 17

    Lasting Clarity of Conversation Outcomes

    • Your Written Plan
  • 18

    Clarity Summary

    • Clarity Summary
  • 19

    Action Plan and Next Steps

    • What's Next?
  • 20

    Sincere Best Wishes

    • Best wishes for a deeper, more meaningful relationship