You know you love each other, but lately, you might have noticed that: 
 
Seemingly simple conversations go around in circles and then escalate into conflicts, which can feel frustrating 

• You are getting more reactive and defensive towards each other, leaving you feeling discouraged

• A certain topic or off-hand remark can quickly lead to raised voices, criticising each other’s character or bringing up past mistakes or grievances 

• You're starting to avoid certain emotional topics, so you don't trigger each other, but consequently, your conversations end up being about practical surface-level things

• These conflicts are now going unresolved, creating distance between you 

• You feel resentment is building up as your emotional and physical connection is declining, leaving you feeling disconnected 

• You want to feel truly understood like your needs are being met, so you don’t feel so alone in the relationship 

 
This is even more important to be mindful of if you're a parent. It's gut-wrenching to know your child saw or heard you two fighting and to think about how this might adversely affect them. 
 
If this sounds familiar to you both, you’re not alone. 
 
There will always be challenging circumstances in our lives, but with good communication, you can feel like a truly united, connected team. 
 
There are 4 step-by-step guides on how to: 
Guide 1. Share your thoughts and feelings, and listen better 
Guide 2. Make decisions and solve problems together 
Guide 3. De-escalate conflict and manage emotions  
Guide 4. Have weekly and monthly relationship check-ins 
 
The guides are relatable and practical. As an experienced clinical psychologist and a couple’s therapist for 10 years, I know the challenges you face and the tools you need to overcome them.