One of the toughest relationship challenges to handle is figuring out when to bring up difficult or sensitive topics. You don’t want to seem like a nag when you’re arguing, and you don’t want to rock the boat if it seems like things are getting better. Deep down you know the issue has to be appropriately addressed before it rears its ugly head again. Don’t sweep your problems under a rug, or pretend everything is okay, especially if it’s important to you or if the same argument seems to come up over and over again.
The first step to getting it right is finding the right time to talk. How do you find the right time between the fighting, but keep from ruining the few great moments you have together? Just ask! Asking your partner if it’s a good time to talk sets the scene for a mature discussion but respects their boundaries at the same time.
Here are some tips to making sure the important stuff gets talked about:
I hope that helps you get things going…
Rachel
The first step to getting it right is finding the right time to talk. How do you find the right time between the fighting, but keep from ruining the few great moments you have together? Just ask! Asking your partner if it’s a good time to talk sets the scene for a mature discussion but respects their boundaries at the same time.
Here are some tips to making sure the important stuff gets talked about:
- Ask if it’s a good time to talk, if it’s not, ask for your partner to choose a time within [appropriate time frame] and schedule a time that works for both of you.
- Ideally, you should discuss private issues in private, saving the awkwardness of a potential fight in public.
- Remain calm, but emphasize why this issue is important to you, and how you’d like to work on your relationship together.
- Don’t spring it on unexpectedly: if you’re having a fun date, maybe save it for the end of the night, or call your partner and let them know there’s something on your mind you’d like to talk about and try to meet the following day to discuss it.
- If you’re not getting the response you’re looking for, try thinking about why your partner is avoiding the conversation and validate their feelings.
I hope that helps you get things going…
Rachel