8 Super Simple Rules For Arguing With Your Partner

Conflict is a hard thing to talk about, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t normal.

Everyone fights, and although couples might feel bad about it, conflicts are completely normal and there would be no healthy relationships without it.

That being said, it is definitely possible to have an unhealthy argument and the more of these you have, the more your relationship suffers. Getting conflict right is about having a healthy argument that serves its purpose without making you or your partner feel as though they are no longer loved or supported.

Here are a few tips on how to do that.

1. Have A Clear Purpose

If you don’t know why you’ve started, or want to start an argument, then you really need to figure it out ASAP. There’s no point getting involved in an argument with your significant other that has no purpose or end game.

Remember that being frustrated or angry, while they are legitimate emotions to feel, don’t mean much if you don’t know why. Get to the root of what you’re feeling, and then ensure that you’re in a rational enough space to explain that in full to your partner, so that resolutions can occur.

2. Be Ready To Listen

Regardless of who started the argument, it’s important for both parties to understand the importance of listening. Really hearing your partner means you have a good idea of why they’re angry and what you can do about it. We get it, you’ve got things to say. But so do they and an argument, like a relationship, is a two-way street.

If only one person gets to talk, it’s not a conflict, it’s just a serve up. You need to allow your partner to have their say as well, and make sure you’re actually listening when they do, not just planning your next point.

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Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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