It probably goes without saying that relationships can barely exist, certainly not thrive, without communication.  It is particularly needful in marriage.  God gave us, in creation, the capacity to communicate.  With that capacity comes the awesome power to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down, to engage or ignore, to illuminate or intimidate, to soothe or irritate, to enhance or detract.  Good communication is a skill we can learn and hone for better relationships.