Disagreements and arguments happen in almost all relationships on occasion. While this isn’t really a problem, feelings can get hurt and your relationship will suffer if you don’t repair the damage. Without proper repair, emotional intimacy can weaken and resentment can build. This can have a negative impact on your couple connection. However, effective reparation after a fight can restore a sense of unity and can even strengthen your relationship. Below are 7 tips for repairing your relationship after a fight.
1. Give Each Other Time And Space
After an argument with your partner, it’s important to give each other time and space. It’s difficult to think about repairing your relationship when your emotions are heightened. A little time and space can give you each a chance to calm down and consider the situation logically as well as emotionally. You can discuss this ahead of time and decide on the length of time that works for each of you before attempting to resolve the issue. If you come back together and the argument resumes, try taking a longer break.
2. Feel Your Feelings
When you take a break from your partner, allow yourself to feel your feelings and reflect on the situation. Name the feeling that you are experiencing and notice where you feel it in your body. Determine if this feeling comes up a lot for you during an argument with your partner and what you might need. Sit with the feeling and allow it to be until it no longer feels as strong. Once you both feel calmer, you may be ready to talk about the fight.
3. Use I Statements
To repair your relationship after an argument you need to be able to communicate effectively. Use I statements to begin the discussion. I statements are about what happened for you, rather than what you think happened for the other person. These statements start with I, such as I think, I feel, I believe, rather than starting with you. This way your partner doesn’t feel as though you are blaming them or making assumptions about what occurred for them. When you explain things from your own perspective, your partner is less likely to get defensive, and more likely to listen.
4. Actively Listen
Active listening refers to listening in order to really understand your partner. This includes noticing nonverbal cues as well. It is important to put down your phone, turn off the television, and make sure there are no other distractions. Make eye contact and give your partner your undivided attention. Do not interrupt your partner unless you are trying to further your understanding. The focus should be on really understanding your partner’s point of view, not on what you want to say. Summarizing what you hear your partner say lets them know that you were really paying attention to them.
5. Take A Break If Needed
Even if you are using I statements and actively listening, it is still possible for the discussion to turn into a heated argument. If this starts to happen, let your partner know that you need to take a break. Tell your partner when you want to come back together and try again. Make sure you come back at the agreed upon time. Use this time to calm yourself down and feel your feelings. Think about what you might need so you can listen to your partner and share your needs. There is nothing wrong with taking a break if you really need it, but using this tactic too often can interfere with the ability to repair effectively.
6. Apologize And Reconnect
An effective apology can go a long way towards repairing your relationship. In order for an apology to be effective, you need to state what you did to make sure you are on the same page. Then let your partner know how you think that impacted them. Finally, you need to state the steps you plan to take to make it less likely to continue to happen in the future. To reconnect after the apology, you want to let your partner know that you are on the same side. This can be a touch, a hug, a smile, an inside joke, or anything else that helps you feel connected. By apologizing and reconnecting, you both get closure.
7. Make A Plan For The Future
By using what you learned during this process, you can now make a plan going forward to help you navigate future disagreements more effectively. Consider what you learned about yourself and your partner. Discuss the needs that you each had that were not being met. Come up with a way that you can do things differently in the future so these needs are addressed. Make the necessary changes to work on the parts of your relationship that need strengthening.
The next time you and your partner have a fight, try the above tips to help repair and strengthen your relationship. If your arguments start getting out of hand, or you are unable to effectively repair your connection following a disagreement, couples counseling can help. By focusing on repairing your relationship after a fight, you can keep your relationship healthy and strong.
