199 Ways To Improve Your Relationships, Marriage, and Sex Life by L.B. Sommer

Self-reflection is key to anyone’s emotional growth and the more you can understand your reactions, the more productive your conversations could be. Learning to identify your emotional triggers, and more importantly, why you react to them, will help you become a better communicator. Suddenly, something relatively insignificant like an unclean table is the launchpad for a major fight. If you feel like your partner has stopped contributing to the housework lately, you may become disproportionately mad if they don’t clear the table after dinner. The reason that these things hit so differently is likely tied to a past hurt or trauma that you experienced.įor example, say that you grew up with an abusive parent who took advantage of the other hardworking parent. If you look at this list and ask “But how?,” you might begin by trying these approachable tips.Įveryday tips to improve your relationship Identify your emotional triggersĮveryone has their “Do Not Push” button in an argument - the one topic that can launch us completely into the irrational stratosphere of anger in mere seconds. Learn your mate’s love language, and become fluent.Practice active listening and reflective listening.Be mindful of your own biases and scars from previous relationships.Remember to verbalize gratitude and apologies.Don’t take things personally, even if negative emotions are directed toward you.Think about what could be fueling your partner’s present emotions beneath the surface.Here are some general themes to keep in mind when working to improve your relationship: “However, it can start to feel hopeless if one or both people feel like things can never be resolved… and it’s also often indicative of one or both people feeling as though their needs are not being met.”

Elana Hoffman, a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington, D.C. “Every couple argues to a certain degree,” says Dr. Working to save a relationship can take a lot of work, but if you and your partner approach it from a place of empathy, you’d be surprised at the progress that you can make. Overall strategies to improve communication in relationships

199 Ways To Improve Your Relationships, Marriage, and Sex Life by L.B. Sommer