A pilot study of 172 married couples reveals significant contrasts in patterns and degrees of communication and the efficacy of a measuring device for marital communication. Elements differentiating between good and poor communication in couples are the handling of anger and of differences, tone of voice, understanding, good listening habits, and self-disclosure. Factors contributing to poor communication are nagging, conversational discourtesies, and uncommunicativeness. Findings are relevant for understanding components of healthy communication in marital interaction. Implications are also drawn for marriage (and premarital) counseling, family life education, teaching, and research.