Relationships are complex, and sometimes difficult conversations can lead to anger or communication breakdowns. It’s important for couples to learn how to diffuse these situations to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. Here are five recommendations for helping diffuse anger or communication breakdowns for couples who struggle with having difficult conversations.

1. Take a Break

When emotions are high, it’s best to take a break and give each other space. This will give you both time to calm down and process your thoughts and emotions. It’s important to set a time limit for the break and come back to the conversation once you’ve had time to think things through. Taking a break doesn’t mean running away from the issue, but rather taking time to gather your thoughts and come back to the conversation with a clearer mind.

2. Listen Without Interrupting

One of the most important things in any conversation is to listen without interrupting. When your partner is speaking, give them...

This past weekend my company hosted a pre-marriage retreat for couples from MN and ND. It was an awesome experience and one that I’ll never forget.  

I’ll never forget it because of the connections and break-throughs that we had with so many couples. Couples struggling with communication challenges, family issues, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse and jealousy.  
Although I could focus on any one of these issues, one connection I made with a young man at the retreat reminded me of the pain and anguish I used to put not only myself through but my wife through when we were first dating and first married. 

To be completely blunt and honest, I was an A#$%HOLE when it came to my wife’s past relationships. I was a jerk. 

Not only would I make her relive those past relationships, but I would then critique her on why she had made such bad decisions.  Thinking about my past behavior - I am really embarrassed. 

Jealousy for me wasn’t something that I had ever really experienced before...