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Listen to your partner before speaking. During a discussion or debate with your significant other allow your partner to explain his or her thoughts without interruption. Even if you do not agree with your partner’s thoughts and feelings use the moment as an opportunity to listen and learn. It is also helpful to validate your partner by rephrasing what they have shared; this confirms to them that you listen and understand them.
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Respond honestly. Once you have listened to your partner and understand the issue, it is your responsibility to respond with truth. Being honest with a significant other may make you feel vulnerable and you may worry that your needs may go unmet, but lies of every size will destroy the foundation of a relationship. Refrain from using silence as a way to manipulate your partner into getting what you want. Trust that your partner will show you the same courtesy of listening, understanding and responding truthfully to your thoughts and feelings.
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Compromise with your partner. Be committed to ending the conversation on a decisive and positive note. Prevent endless arguing by knowing, in advance, which points are deal breakers for you and those that are you willing to concede for the sake of peace and unity with your significant other. Your partner’s well-being and happiness are worth more than proving yourself right. Focus on finding solutions to the problems you identify.
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Make a decision and summarize it. Once decisions have been made, summarize the new understanding between you and your partner to ensure that you are both on the same page.
