How I learned to build a healthy relationship with my partner 💞

Have you ever tried working on a project with your partner and ended up in an argument? 

My partner and I were upgrading our garage. While I was excitedly sharing my plans for the next steps, he kept interrupting, saying, “You don’t have to do it now — we don’t need it yet,” without really explaining why.

I felt dismissed.

He felt overwhelmed.

And the tension was real. Neither of us wanted to continue this project at that moment.

That experience got me thinking about the simple steps I could take to improve our relationship, especially during moments of disagreement.

A healthy relationship isn’t about avoiding disagreements but how you handle them. Communication, trust, and respect are key to building a strong partnership.

Here are 3 simple tips that helped us turn things around and can help you too!

• Share your feelings, even the uncomfortable ones.

• Practice active listening by repeating what you hear your partner say to ensure a better understanding.

• Use “I” statements to avoid sounding blaming.

You Can Say:

• "I see your point, but I’d like to share my perspective too."

• "I feel like we’re not on the same page. Let’s talk it through."

• "What do you think would be the best solution for both of us?"

You Don’t Say:

• "You never listen to me!"

• "Fine, whatever you want. I don’t care anymore."

• "This is exactly why I can’t talk to you."

• "Let’s just drop it, it’s not worth talking about."

• Spend time doing activities you both enjoy.

• Regularly check in on each other’s goals and dreams.

• Plan little surprises to show appreciation.

What are some fun and creative ways you can spend quality time with your partner?

Quality time doesn’t have to be fancy. What matters is being present and enjoying each other’s company.Here’s a simple list to inspire your next meaningful moments:

At Home

• Cook a meal together.

• Watch a movie or show and cuddle up.

• Play a board or card game.

• Plan a DIY or home project.

Outdoors

• Take a walk or go hiking.

• Have a picnic in the park.

• Stargaze or watch a sunset.

• Go for a bike ride or explore nature.

Going On An Adventure

• Try a new hobby or class, like painting or dancing.

• Take a mini road trip.

• Volunteer at a local event together.

• Attend a community workshop.

• Understand that you don’t have to agree on everything to be compatible.

• Celebrate your differences as opportunities to learn from each other.

• Set boundaries and respect each other’s individuality.

You Can Say

• "I respect where you’re coming from, even if I see it differently."

• "Your opinion matters to me, and I’d like to find a way to meet in the middle."

• "I didn’t realize this was important to you— let’s talk about it."

You Don't Say

• "Your idea makes no sense."

• "Why can’t you just see things my way?"

• "You’re always overreacting about everything."

• "I don’t care what you think, I’m doing it my way."

Remember my story about arguing with my husband over the garage upgrades?

Now, imagine you’re in my shoes.

What would you do to improve your relationship and resolve the conflict in that situation? Select that all apply:

A. Pause and listen, asking, “What’s making you feel this way?”

B. Calmly say, “I feel discouraged when my ideas aren’t fully heard.”

C. Say, “This is my plan, and we’re doing it my way.”

D. Avoid the conversation completely to keep the peace.

After the argument, we decided to pause the conversation to calm down.

Later, my husband apologized for interrupting me, and I asked about his concerns. He explained his worries about the timing and costs. To move forward, we went to a home supply store together to explore materials and budgets, which made our plan more tangible.

By taking a break, communicating openly, and working as a team,we turned a tense situation into a productive and positive experience. This showed us how small changes in approach can make a big difference in our relationship.

Now that you’ve learned the tips for a healthy relationship, here’s how you can apply them in your own life: