Single or taken, uncover the hidden truths behind building the perfect relationship.
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4. Talk, talk, talk
Spend hours and hours discussing the nitty-gritty aspects of life. Explore your views on both weighty issues and lighter ones.
5. Help your partner feel heard and understood
Take a moment and state in your own words your partner's position in the matter. Then let your partner summarize your point of view. Doing this allows both people to feel heard and understood.
6. Set the stage for compromise
If you are firmly entrenched on different sides of an issue, the final step to resolution is for one of you to say, "How can I give on this, and how can you give on this, so we can be together on this?". You lead by expressing your willingness to compromise. This type of kind, sincere olive branch almost
always brings an end to conflict.
It takes time -- lots of time- -- to get to know someone well. This can't happen in a matter of weeks or a few months.
8. Celebrate!
Celebrate when you resolve conflict. It helps you appreciate this skill and
reinforces your strength as a couple.
Read more:
I heart you: Online dating and infidelity
The proposal: One man's tale of popping the question
Relationship experts: Love regrets
Relationship expert: Are there soul mates?
Read more in our Living channel
