As a mental health therapist, I often work with people who have difficulty making and keeping healthy friendships, as well as other relationships (coworkers, family members, partners, and the list goes on and on). Among the struggles I often hear is not knowing how to sincerely connect with someone.

One way to connect is by giving sincere compliments.

Compliments are a great way to connect because they make both the giver and the recipient of the compliment feel good. People enjoy being around other pleasant people, so if you make someone feel good, that person may be more likely to want to spend more time around and with you.

It might sound simple on the surface, but the people I work with in therapy sometimes struggle with how to give sincere compliments to others. I offer the following four tips to keep in mind:

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1. Be Genuine

Don’t give a compliment if you don’t mean it. If you tell someone you enjoy something when in reality it disgusts you, and they find out later, it may hurt your ability to be trusted or be taken seriously in the future. You don’t want to be considered a liar, no matter how good your intentions are. Genuine behavior is generally appreciated, and people may be more likely to respect what you say if you truly mean it.

2. Look for the Good

People enjoy hearing positive feedback. By focusing on the good, or the benefit, of someone’s personality, skill, interest, or other area you wish to compliment, you make it easier for a receptive response. If you find it difficult to compliment someone sincerely in a certain area, try looking at the situation from their perspective and what may have influenced their choices.

3. Focus on Your Feelings

When you focus on the pleasant feeling the recipient of your compliment feels, it feels good to them as well. When someone brings joy, love, or another pleasant emotion to someone else, it often makes them feel that same emotion in return.

4. Keep It Simple

Keeping your compliments simple and to a minimum may help strengthen your connection to the other person. When you give too many compliments, or engage in giving grandiose, complicated compliments, it can feel uncomfortable and a little off-putting. Keep your compliments to one to three at a time. In these situations, less is often more.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers an entire module focus on learning skills to improve one’s interpersonal effectiveness (the way one communicates and connects with others). One of the skill sets in this module is a great way to help people learn how to give sincere compliments. To remember these skills, DBT uses the acronym GIVE:

• Gentle: Have a soft, gentle approach to your tone, word choice, and attitude.
• Interested: Be genuinely interested in the person and the content of your conversation.
• Validate: Think about and let the other person know their experience is real and understandable, even if you don’t agree with it.
• Easygoing: Be flexible and have an easygoing manner.

An example of a sincere compliment using the GIVE formula is as follows:

• Gentle: “You’re a good friend.”
• Interested: “I really appreciated your help with my project the other day.”
• Validate: “It wasn’t easy, but we got through it. Your helpfulness is really great!”
• Easygoing: “Thanks, buddy.”

I’d love to hear your experiences giving and receiving compliments. Please share your most appreciated compliments below and how it felt to give or receive them.

When you are the spouse or partner of a person experiencing depression, you may feel stuck between wanting to help and realizing depression is a force larger than your love at times. You may be on edge, hypervigilant, worried, and feel hopeless when you cannot fix it for them.

First things first. If your loved one is in a depressive state lasting longer than two weeks characterized by sleep disturbances, lack of interest in once-enjoyed activities, weight gain or loss, sad feelings, fatigue, irritability, suicidal thoughts, and/or social isolation, you should get professional help immediately. You can start with your family doctor, who may refer you to a mental health professional. Depression is not something to “wait and see” on, and it’s not something just anyone can identify or diagnose. Keep in mind, also, it is common for a depressed person to not want anyone (especially a loved one) to worry, so they will often put on a good front and minimize their true feelings.

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When your spouse or partner is hurting, it is natural to want to solve it for them—to search for actions you can do to remove depression and replace it with happiness. While this is a valiant and tender-hearted gesture, it is also ill-fated. Depression doesn’t simply go away because you’ve loved more. Clinical depression can be a chemical imbalance, a residual effect of past trauma, a situational outcome, or a genetic predisposition, making treatment difficult in the best of circumstances.

So what does it feel like to watch your spouse or partner go through depression? Well, it’s depressing. It creates a situation that may feel out of control, hopeless, and heavy. You may become a watcher—watching what the depressed person says, what they look like, how they acted, and what didn’t happen. You may become a detective trying to identify something that will create change and bring lightness. “If only …” may become your new motto, “Why don’t you try …” your new daily suggestion.

As a partner and (at least to some extent) caretaker, you will need to keep yourself healthy. That may mean seeking your own individual therapy, seeing friends, doing activities you enjoy, exercising, eating healthy, and setting clear emotional boundaries about what you can change and what you must accept.

You may become consumed with fighting this depression and then, without realizing it and without meaning to, you may get angry—angry your loved one isn’t getting better, angry your life stinks, angry you can’t change this. You know it isn’t your loved one’s fault and they didn’t ask for depression, but you may get impatient anyway, wanting change to happen more quickly than they may be able to move. You may experience a grieving of sorts—for the loss of the life with your loved one that you once knew.

As a partner and (at least to some extent) caretaker, you will need to keep yourself healthy. That may mean seeking your own individual therapy, seeing friends, doing activities you enjoy, exercising, eating healthy, and setting clear emotional boundaries about what you can change and what you must accept.

It is not unloving to learn to maintain a distance from the depression; it may, in fact, be the only thing that keeps you healthy and available. Observing your loved one suffering while you live fully can be difficult to comprehend. You will no doubt ask yourself if you should be laughing, eating out, or seeing a movie. However, who will take care of you if you don’t? Finding lighter, more upbeat activities can create space that allows for some happy times for you. This space can fuel you when times are heavy and tough. As with all things, “this too shall pass” can be a mantra to absorb and hold true.

In time and with treatment, your spouse or partner can be happy again, and you can feel less worried and vigilant.

Let me ease the burden of sex for you. I use the word “burden” because I know sex can feel like one sometimes. Sex may not be the most important pillar in your relationship, but how you engage, navigate, and connect around sex is crucial, whether sex is active or dormant.

Life has a way of steamrolling a couple’s sex life. Kids. School. Chores. Career. Family. Health care. Finances. Other obligations.

It’s always someone’s birthday or a holiday. No matter how much you clean, the house always looks dirty. The lawn keeps growing. Your to-do list has no end. Your boss demands more of your time. The kids always need new shoes or have a baseball game.

When you finally sit down at the end of each day, you feel depleted. The only thing you have any energy for is your favorite TV show. However, you save that for the weekend because you have to catch up on work email. Then you go to bed, only to wake up to the same routine, responsibilities, and exhaustion.

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Somewhere in there, you are supposed to make time for your partner—for date nights and for sex. Not humanly possible, right? Your relationship may go on like this for years until fighting and irritability set in, someone has an affair, or someone walks away.

Whether you are the pursuer of sex or the distancer in your relationship, sex can feel untenable. If sex happens but feels dissatisfying, it may be your sex life is comprised more of quickies and obligatory sex than true engagement. If you habitually compare your current sex life to “how much we used to do it,” you may set up future sexual encounters as failures.

Mismatched sexual desire is not uncommon in romantic relationships—research shows that desire discrepancies are one of the most frequent issues couples report in therapy, with one study finding that 80 percent of couples experience mismatched libidos at some point in their relationship. One person frequently pursues sex while the other, the one with lower drive, distances. Ultimately, the pursuer may feel rejected and wonder, “What is wrong with us? With me?”

Recent research shows that 15 percent of men and 34.2 percent of women reported losing interest in sex for three months or more in the previous year, demonstrating that sexual dry spells are a normal part of many relationships.

Here are some tips to help you survive the inevitable sexual dry spells of a marriage or long-term relationship:

1. Talk About the Dry Spell

The dry spell can become a painful elephant in the room. Have a respectful conversation, acknowledge how you both feel about sex, how life or relationship discord has hijacked you and your spark. Note what you miss sexually (whether it’s about yourself or your partner). Talk about what you look forward to when desire returns. Be honest, regardless of whether you’re the pursuer or the distancer. Own your roles without pressuring each other.

Research shows that open communication about topics such as sexual desires, boundaries, and relationship expectations is linked to greater sexual satisfaction and improved relationship quality.

2. Practice Realistic Expectations

If you set the bar at an unachievable height, you are doomed to feel disappointed. Acceptance reflects a mature outlook on sex. This does not mean either one of you does not want sex or is “settling.” It means you practice realistic expectations regarding how you approach your sex life. It means accepting you are not that couple on television (or in porn) who have spontaneous, hot sex every single time.

3. Strive for Quality, Not Quantity

Some partners place heavy emphasis on quantity. Partners may say, “Well, we have sex only once a month” with embarrassment For some couples, this might be where your baseline settles. If so, focus more on making that “once a month” as fulfilling as possible for both of you. If you improve the quality of those times, you may feel more connected, enough so that the space between does not feel as long or lonely.

Studies show that quality counts more than quantity, with younger generations prioritizing emotional connection over physical frequency.

4. Value Emotional Connection as Much as Sexual Connection

Your emotional life and sexual life are intertwined. If sex chronically diminishes, it may be more than life’s hijack. Have more intimate conversations, ask each other about how your relationship feels, share with one another, express gratitude, compliment each other, and treat each other kindly and with respect. Value these qualities as much as you value sex.

Research supports the strong intertwining between sexual and relationship well-being, with longitudinal findings revealing a bidirectional relationship between relational intimacy and sexual satisfaction.

5. Practice Healthy Doses of Humor

Do not take yourself too seriously. Remember, dry spells are inevitable.

Do not take yourself too seriously. Remember, dry spells are inevitable. Before jumping to conclusions or dwelling in rejection, practice humor to ease the tension around sex. When both partners make light, loving jokes about the dry spell, it may alleviate pressure on both sides. At the same time, humor works only when both partners are laughing. Jokes should not be masked digs. Make them playful, considerate, and loving.

6. Acknowledge Your Partner’s Bids Even If You Don’t Act on Them

Couples run into trouble when sexual bids are ignored, dismissed, or even harshly rejected. When your partner is in the mood but you are not, but you are nonetheless flattered, consider expressing appreciation. Try not to act annoyed. Can you appreciate that, after all this time together, your partner still desires you?

7. Expand Your Definition of Sex

Partners typically view sex through the narrow definition of intercourse or penetration where at least one person experiences orgasm. Can you shift how you think of sex? Rather than striving for penetration, focus on sexual connection. With this expanded view, you may have a wider range of sexual options to choose from that do not obligate you to “go all the way” every time.

8. Look for Small Windows of Opportunity

When time and energy fall short, try mini-moments of sexual connection. These can range from acts such as longer, lingering kisses to light foreplay and more. Smaller gestures let your partner know, “I may not be able to follow through right now, but I want to,” “I like touching you,” and “I miss you.” These are mini-moments. You can even declare, “I’m coming in for a mini” so you are both clear on the intention.

A friend of mine once referred to his sex life as “peaks and valleys.” How you approach those peaks and valleys makes all the difference between sustained connection and disgruntled disconnection.

Important Note: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing persistent relationship or sexual difficulties, consider consulting with a qualified therapist or healthcare provider. Research suggests that stress reduction interventions may be a potential way to promote sexual health, ultimately contributing to improved well-being and overall health.

References:

1. Arenella, K., Girard, A., & Connor, J. (2024). Desire discrepancy in long-term relationships: A qualitative study with diverse couples. Family Process, 63(3), 1201-1216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38234271/
2. Chen, T., Dai, M., Calabrese, C., & Merrill Jr., K. (2025). Dyadic and longitudinal influences of sexual communication on relationship satisfaction, emotional intimacy, and daily affect among same-sex male couples. Health Communication, 40(7), 1352-1362. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2024.2400813
3. Hims Health Team. (2024). How can I keep sex fresh in my long-term relationship? Good Health by Hims. https://www.hims.com/blog/dryspell-in-relationship
4. Mües, H. M., Markert, C., Feneberg, A. C., & Nater, U. M. (2025). Too stressed for sex? Associations between stress and sex in daily life. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 181, 107583. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40907147/
5. Psychology Today. (2025). When libidos clash: I love you, but I’m not in the mood. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hidden-desires/202503/when-libidos-clash-i-love-you-but-im-not-in-the-mood
6. Smith, K. (2025). Sex, intimacy, and connection: How often do couples have sex in 2025. South Denver Therapy. https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/sex-intimacy-and-connection-2025
7. University of Cincinnati. (2025). Uncovering what matters to young adults: Communicating about sexual health & relationships. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15546128.2025.2459381

It’s very common for couples to pursue counseling when communication issues begin to dominate their relationship. Does it ever feel like you and your partner keep missing each other on something? Or like your partner just doesn’t seem to get you anymore? Perhaps you feel you’ve been very clear about your perspective and it’s your partner’s problem that they just can’t seem to understand the issues from your point of view.

Blaming each other for what’s not working, although tempting, will not get you the satisfaction you so desperately desire. Whether you are struggling to navigate a difficult situation together or daily arguments have become the norm, everyone can benefit from improved communication. Here are five tips to help you get on a better track toward mutual understanding and a deeper connection:

1. Find an opportune time to talk calmly about the issues.

Preserving time to check in with each other can help you be more productive. Arrange a time in the near future when you are both likely to be calm and comfortable. Perhaps you find that morning tends to work best, or Sunday afternoon when you’re in a more relaxed mood. You may need to adjust your schedule slightly so you have some extra time.

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Too often, couples attempt to discuss an issue as it’s unfolding. While this may work some of the time, giving each other a heads-up to discuss something more in-depth may help you feel more relaxed and open with your partner. Take a moment to express your need and then follow up with a suggestion for a more opportune time. This communicates respect and consideration, which helps to promote an atmosphere of goodwill between two people.

2. Understand and communicate your partner’s perspective.

Listening can be tough, especially when the other person is saying something that triggers a defensive response in you. Remind yourself that you will also have a turn; right now it’s important to tune in and not interrupt. Make eye contact and be fully present with your partner. You can demonstrate being present by focusing exclusively on the conversation and what’s being said. It might be helpful to view the discussion as involving two subjective perspectives rather than one person being “right” or “wrong.”

If you’re not clear on something, ask a thoughtful question or two to make sure you really understand. You might even say, “Am I getting that right?” or, “I want to make sure I understand; tell me if I’m hearing you correctly …” Take turns talking and listening to each other. Spending just 10 minutes focused on the other person sharing their perspective can make a significant difference. If you find things are escalating, take a 5-minute break and come back.

3. Be mindful of your language and tone.

When you feel the urge to become accusatory or to begin a statement with “You always …” stop yourself. Ask yourself what you’re feeling in this moment.

It can be so easy to miss an important message when we don’t like the tone in which something is being said. Take inventory. When you feel the urge to become accusatory or to begin a statement with “You always …” stop yourself. Ask yourself what you’re feeling in this moment. Taking a minute to slow down before responding can help you say what you truly feel instead of becoming defensive or blaming. Perhaps you might try: “Talking about this always seems to lead us down a destructive path. I’d like to get to a better place with it, but I’m just not sure how.” This kind of statement might help to open up a more constructive dialogue.

If you find a particular topic is especially difficult, it may help to share your feelings surrounding the issue. For example, you might say, “I’d really like to talk about (the issue) with you, but I’m feeling anxious about it because I know this is an area we tend to struggle with.” Sometimes this sort of statement can relieve the pressure to get it right the first time. Be patient with yourself; with time and practice, communication with your partner can become more productive.

4. Think in terms of what you can give, not just what you can take.

While it’s certainly true good relationships involve both give and take, when both partners are focused on giving, they strengthen their ability to negotiate conflict more effectively. With some increased awareness, you can shift a problematic dynamic. Tune into your words and actions more carefully. Is there something you can say or do differently to yield different results? When we are kind, we send a caring message to our partner, and when we feel cared for, we can operate from a place of generosity and love.

What positive and unique qualities do you bring to your relationship? What makes you feel happy to provide to your partner? How can you contribute positively to the situation?

5. Notice and say out loud what you appreciate about your partner.

Everyone wants to feel appreciated and valued. It can be easy to fall into a thinking pattern of: “I feel like I do so much, but no one notices.” When we take the time to openly appreciate someone else’s positive qualities and good deeds, we foster an atmosphere of emotional generosity. Notice something about your partner that you feel grateful for? Share it! Be on the lookout for what you can appreciate and say it. Often, we tend to focus on what we don’t have or what’s not working in relationships. This critical shift in perspective to a focus on the positive can make all the difference. You might find your partner begins to share their appreciation for how awesome you are as well.

Taking the time to understand your partner’s perspective and to reflect back that you truly “get it” can have a significant impact on the quality of your relationship. The next time you find yourself a little stuck, try out the tips above to help you move toward a deeper, more satisfying connection.

I recently worked with someone who had his heart crushed by an individual who led him on for months, asked for his help with various tasks, accepted an invitation to go on an official date, and then ultimately, on the “date,” said she doesn’t date.

Knowing the timeline and details, I had been confident this relationship was headed in a positive direction and wound up feeling disappointed at how it had crumbled to pieces, leaving us both stunned and confused. This happened to somebody who has done so much work in terms of gaining self-confidence and developing interpersonal relationship skills. Having an important relationship dissolve in an instant was devastating.

We processed the experience and the many questions that arose in our next session: Where did he go wrong? Why did she agree to the date in the first place? Did she not date in general or did she just not want to date him? Did her rejection not confirm his feelings of unworthiness?

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As much as we could speculate, analyze the chain of text messages, and try to make sense of what transpired in the relationship, the frustrating truth was there was no logical justification for what happened or why this person treated him the way she did. At least not one he was ever going to be privy to.

He reached out for some clarification, but her responses were arrogant, passive-aggressive, defensive, and left no explanation for how he could have possibly misread her signals. Further, they changed his view of who she was and left it nearly impossible to continue their friendship. He grieved the loss, missing the person he thought she was.

We spent a good amount of time discussing what he should do next. He wanted answers that made sense, but instead he was being ignored. A part of him wanted to contact her, lashing out with his anger, to let her know exactly what he now thought of her. A part of me wanted to support him in doing that. I was appalled by her callousness. I was angry for him.

He wanted closure. At the same time, we both knew it likely wouldn’t accomplish anything. She wouldn’t change, her responses wouldn’t become any more enlightening or helpful, and there was probably no realistic scenario that would lessen his hurt.

The knowledge you were the better or stronger person, or you were mature enough not to burn a bridge, doesn’t feel like much of a win amid the pain and anger. But resisting the temptation to lash out or search for answers you may never get forces you to face the pain head-on.

When this kind of thing happens—when a relationship ends in hurt and anger, when we feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us, or when life doesn’t go the way we were hoping—we want an immediate sense of closure or justification. The desire for closure might be the temporary satisfaction of telling off the person who hurt us, gaining an apology, having the person change their mind, or getting some type of definitive ending that seems clean and makes sense to us.

But the reality is these things generally don’t make us feel better in the long run. Typically, they simply never happen. So the search for closure is often futile and results in wasted energy, more frustration, and a delayed ability to begin healing and moving on.

It takes a lot of strength to be the “bigger person,” to walk away with your head held high, and to resist the urge to give someone who has hurt you a piece of your mind.

The knowledge you were the better or stronger person, that you were mature enough not to burn a bridge, doesn’t feel like much of a win amid the pain and anger. But resisting the temptation to lash out or search for answers you may never get forces you to face the pain head-on. While highly uncomfortable, the sooner you acknowledge and accept the disappointment and hurt, the sooner you can begin to move forward. It may involve coming to terms with the fact sometimes things aren’t logical or fair.

Having the strength to walk away from a negative experience with a sense of grace and your dignity intact will likely help you to feel good about yourself in the long run. With time and some distance, you may discover the experience taught you a valuable lesson or helped you grow in a way only the most challenging of experiences could.

Recently, when I put my 6-year-old son to bed, he reminded me of something I can sometimes lose sight of, particularly when I’m anxious or worried. As I kissed him on the forehead, he said, “No fair.”

“What’s no fair?” I asked.

“You kiss me more than I kiss you,” he said.

“Well, and isn’t that good? When I give you a kiss, doesn’t that raise your love meter?”

My son rolled his eyes in the greenish glow of his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles night-light.

“Your love meter gets higher from giving love,” he said.

This idea—that love is something we get more of by giving it away—is a radical one, though it’s nothing new. Folks as varied as St. Francis of Assisi, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. have encouraged people to cultivate true wealth and freedom through conscious unconditional loving, for their own and the world’s sake.

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For many of us, though, living from this principle is easier said than done. The experience of feeling vulnerable and threatened triggers our fight-or-flight response, and it becomes hard to remain aware of ourselves and of our options as we relate to others. Usually, we default to our habitual defensive positions—blame, avoidance, projection, rationalization, just to name a few. And yet, being able to tap into our capacity to give love—even when we’re scared—may be an urgent necessity if we want to preserve our sense of agency and balance in the aftermath of one of the most anxiety-provoking transfers of power in American history.

For one thing, our agendas and ulterior motives have a way of creeping into our words and actions, influencing how the love we try to give those around us is experienced. Sometimes, it’s not attuned to what the recipient needs, like the porridge in Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s too hot or too cold, too much or too little. Sometimes, the love we offer reaches its recipient contaminated by our concerns and preoccupations, and we feel hurt when it’s shrugged off, minimized, or ignored.

Defenses against receiving love, or giving it, aren’t necessarily good or bad. We learn to defend ourselves against taking in the very things we deeply want for important reasons, including our own psychic survival.

When the tables are turned and we’re on the receiving end, we get to experience firsthand how hard it is to take love in: whether it’s in the form of a goodnight kiss, a hug from our partner, or a stranger’s compliment, opening our hearts requires something from us we’re not always willing to give: trust, surrender, vulnerability, emotional availability, or even self-love. If you feel unworthy of it yourself, how can you accept it from another?

Defenses against receiving love, or giving it, aren’t necessarily good or bad. We learn to defend ourselves against taking in the very things we deeply want for important reasons, including our own psychic survival. Even if we can’t remember having ever truly trusted another human being to love us selflessly, for exactly who we are, we’ve all counted on someone’s appreciation or approval only to experience it withheld or withdrawn. We’ve all opened to another’s concern and felt it suddenly morph into something suspect, a projection or judgment, a form of control. As sensitive beings imprinted with these types of experiences, it’s not unusual to grow up wary about receiving the emotional gifts others offer us, lest they turn out to be Trojan horses or a version of Narcissus using us for a mirror.

As therapists, one of our jobs is helping people understand what gets in the way of taking in the love that’s already in their lives, even when circumstances are difficult. The more people can access and metabolize the love they’ve been disregarding or ignoring, the more it can nourish them and help them love others. In accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP), the way in which people take in others’ emotional offerings—referred to as our “receptive affective capacity”—becomes rich ground within the therapeutic relationship for exploring, understanding, and expanding this ability well beyond the therapy session.

The relationship between giving and receiving love can seem like a riddle worthy of a sphinx—a human conundrum we begin grappling with early in our lives, as my 6-year-old son reminded me with his take on the true metrics of love. However you frame it, being able to receive love from another seems to be inextricably linked with our own desire and ability to give it. Finding ways to expand our own and others’ capacity to take in and produce love locally, rather than seeking it elsewhere, has the potential to create a more stable and sustainable psychic economy.

People who are unhappy in their marriages may turn to mental health professionals for help, unaware therapy could in fact make things worse. I’m not talking about bad couples therapy, although therapists who lack training in effective couples therapy certainly can do more harm than good. What I’m referring to is bad individual therapy when the focus of treatment is an unhappy relationship.

There are some good reasons people in an unhappy relationship might seek individual therapy. Sometimes a partner may be unwilling to come to couples therapy, leaving individual therapy as the best available option. Some people may feel too frightened or unsafe to speak openly in front of a partner. By beginning with individual therapy, they may develop more self-confidence and feel better prepared for couples therapy. And for some people who are uncertain about whether to continue working on their relationship, individual therapy can provide a safe, private place to talk through their feelings and concerns.

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However, while some therapists help unhappy partners gain a new perspective that can help both themselves and their relationship, others—especially therapists with no training in couples or family therapy—may further undermine shaky marriages. Many unhappy partners are influenced, either inadvertently or purposely, toward ending a marriage that could be improved with effective couples therapy.

How do you know if your therapist may be harming your marriage? Here are five warning signs:

1. Your therapist allows you to focus almost exclusively on your partner’s flaws, with little attempt to help you understand your role in your unhappy relationship. Regardless of your partner’s shortcomings, every relationship is the result of a pattern created by two people reacting to one another. When the focus of therapy is only on what your partner does, you may feel increasingly hopeless about the relationship and powerless to change it. If you do decide to end your marriage, you will also have lost an important opportunity to learn from this experience and avoid repeating ineffective patterns in the future.
2. Your therapist labels, diagnoses, or criticizes your partner without ever meeting them. Any well-trained couples therapist knows each partner has a unique perspective, and a full understanding of a relationship requires knowledge of both partners’ experiences and perspectives. Even objectively indefensible behavior such as name-calling, shaming, and threatening can usually be addressed much more effectively by understanding and addressing the underlying feelings and dynamics than by labeling the person who has behaved this way.
3. Your therapist does not help you understand your partner’s “bad” behavior in context. There is a world of difference between a partner who purposely uses name-calling, shaming, and threatening to manipulate or control, and a partner who erupts in anger and then feels ashamed or remorseful for losing control. Sometimes the partner on the receiving end may have a difficult time distinguishing between these two very different patterns—another reason therapists should avoid judging or labeling people, especially those they haven’t met.
4. Your therapist clearly prioritizes your individual needs over the marriage and family. While no one should tolerate a relationship in which their own needs are ignored or dismissed, neither should they expect to have a healthy marriage and family if they don’t also attend to the needs of others. An individual therapist who focuses only on the feelings and needs of the person in the room may implicitly discourage the kind of compromise and interdependence that characterize healthy families.
5. Your therapist encourages you to end your relationship for any reason, other than to protect your physical safety, without an adequate trial of couples therapy. Many serious relationship problems can be addressed with the help of a well-trained couples therapist. Therapists who do not recognize this possibility do a disservice to couples and families who may never get the help available to them. It can even be helpful for you and your partner to discuss such “deal-breakers” as a serious, active addiction or an ongoing affair with the help of a skilled therapist before making a final decision to end a relationship.

How to Avoid These Pitfalls in Individual Therapy

If you are unhappy in your relationship and are seeking individual therapy, either because your partner is unwilling to come with you or you are not ready to talk with your partner, there are several steps you can take to minimize the chances of further damage to your relationship:

Many unhappy partners are influenced, either inadvertently or purposely, toward ending a marriage that could be improved with effective couples therapy.

1. Choose an individual therapist who is also trained in an effective model of couples therapy, such as emotionally focused therapy. Most trained couples therapists also practice individual therapy, and they can use their understanding of couples dynamics to help you gain a clearer perspective on your marriage. If you have been unable to get your partner to come with you to therapy, a therapist who understands couples dynamics may also have suggestions for new ways to approach your partner without putting them on the defensive.
2. Ask your therapist directly for help in understanding your partner’s perspective. Your therapist may feel a primary responsibility to be supportive of your feelings and needs, and thus may be reluctant to bring up your partner’s experience. By directly asking for this input, you give your therapist permission to help you understand your relationship from a broader perspective, including how you may unknowingly trigger unwanted reactions in your partner.
3. Focus your individual therapy on your personal growth rather than on your partner’s shortcomings. Focusing on changes you want to make for yourself is the most constructive way to use your time in individual therapy. As it turns out, it is also often the most helpful thing one partner can do to improve a relationship. And if the relationship ends, your increased self-knowledge will help you move forward in healthier ways.

There are, of course, many other signs of questionable therapy, as well as indicators you’ve found a good therapist. If you decide to reach out to a therapist, be sure to ask plenty of questions based on what you’ve read to help you determine which side of the spectrum they fall on.

Trauma bonds occur in very toxic relationships, and tend to be strengthened by inconsistent positive reinforcement—or at least the hope of something better to come. Trauma bonds occur in extreme situations such as abusive relationships, hostage situations, and incestuous relationships, but also in any ongoing attached relationship in which there is a great deal of pain interspersed with times of calm (or maybe just less pain). I liken it to a heroin addiction—the trauma bond relationship promises much, gives fleeting feelings of utopia, and then it sucks away your very soul.

If you or someone you know has been in an abusive relationship, you have witnessed the strength of this type of relationship. Maybe you or someone you know is trying to get out, but seems incapable of leaving.

Well, there is hope. Here is some advice on how to break a trauma bond:

1. Make a commitment to live in reality

If you find yourself wanting to fantasize about what could be or what you hope will be, stop. Remind yourself that you have made a commitment to live in truth. Even if you don’t choose to leave the relationship immediately, in the meantime you can at least remind yourself that you will stop fantasizing about what is not happening.

Reach out to one of our therapists in Houston, TX, or find a city closer to you.

2. Live in real time.

That means stop holding on to what “could” or “will” happen tomorrow. Notice what is happening in the moment. Notice how trapped you feel. Notice how unloved you feel and how you have compromised your self-respect. self-worth and self-esteem for this relationship. Pay attention to your emotions. Stop hoping and waiting, and start noticing in real time what is happening and how it is affecting you and your well-being.

3. Live one decision at a time and one day at a time.

Sometimes people scare themselves with all-or-nothing thinking. Don’t tell yourself things like, “I have to never talk to the toxic person again or else”; this is akin to trying to lose weight by telling yourself you can never eat chocolate again. While it is true that your relationship is an unhealthy one, you don’t need to make every encounter a do-or-die situation. Don’t scare yourself.

4. Make decisions that only support your self-care and sense of self.

That is, do not make any decision that hurts you. This goes for emotional “relapses” as well. If you find yourself feeling weak, don’t mentally berate yourself, but rather talk to yourself in compassionate, understanding, and reflective ways. Rather talk to yourself in compassionate, understanding, and reflective ways. Remind yourself that you are a work in process and it is a part of the healing process. You will have highs and lows and that is okay. Do not make the uncaring decision to mentally beat yourself up. In every encounter you have with the object of your obsession, stop and think about each choice you make. Make choices that are only in your best interest.

5. Start feeling your emotions.

Whenever you are away from the abusive person in your life and feel tempted to reach out to them for reassurance, stop. Consider writing your feelings down instead. Write whatever comes to you. For example, “I feel ____. I miss ____. I wish I could be with ____ right now, but I am going to sit and write my feelings down instead. I am going to teach myself how to feel my way through the obsession, rather than turning to ____.” This may help you to build inner strength. Learn to simply be with your emotions. You don’t need to run from them, hide from them, avoid them, or make them go away. Once you fully feel them, they may begin to subside. Remember: the only way out is through.

6. Learn to grieve.

Letting go of a toxic and unhealthy relationship and breaking a traumatic bond may be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. You cannot do it without honoring the reality you are losing something very valuable to you.

7. Understand the “hook.” Identify what, exactly, you are losing.

It may be a fantasy, a dream, an illusion. Perhaps your partner had convinced you into believing they were going to fulfill some deep, unmet need. Once you can identify what this need (or hook) is, you can get down to the business of grieving. Grieving means (figuratively) holding your hands open and letting it go. You say goodbye to the notion the need you have may never be met. At minimum, it will not be met by this relationship.

8. Write a list of bottom-line behaviors for yourself.

Possible examples: “(1) I will not sleep with someone who calls me names. (2) I will not argue with someone who has been drinking. (3) I will take care of my own finances. (4) I will not have conversations with anyone when I feel desperate (or defensive, or obsessive, etc.).” Whatever your areas of concern, determine what you need to do to change and make those your bottom-line behaviors.

9. Build your life.

Little by little, start dreaming about your future for yourself (and your children, if you have them); in other words, make dreams that don’t involve your traumatic partner. Maybe you want to go to school, start a hobby, go to church, or join a club. Start making life-affirming choices for yourself that take you away from the toxic interactions that have been destroying your peace of mind.

10. Build healthy connections.

The only way to really free yourself from unhealthy connections is to start investing in healthy ones. Develop other close, connected, and bonded relationships that are not centered on drama. Make these your “go-to” people. It is extremely difficult to heal without a support system. Notice the people in your life who show you loving concern, and care and hang around with them as often as you can. Reach out for professional help as needed.

If infidelity has happened to you (emotional, physical, or both), you don’t have to go running to an attorney right away. Of course, separation or divorce is always an option, both now and in the future.

If you are like many people who have been betrayed, you may be in a state of shock and disbelief and feel as if your entire world has been turned upside down. Perhaps you have always told yourself you would never stay with someone who had an affair, that you don’t deserve to be treated this way and you shouldn’t have to put up with it. Perhaps you have always believed you would end your marriage in a heartbeat, simply out of self-respect.

And now the topic seems to be everywhere—on television, on the radio, or just among others who talk about “kicking a cheater to the curb.” If you have disclosed the infidelity to friends or family, it is not uncommon for well-meaning loved ones to advise leaving right away, or perhaps to offer a spare bedroom or the name of an excellent lawyer.

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But you also don’t instantly stop loving this person, and the word “cheater” does not encompass the complexity or entirety of who your partner is.

As a couples therapist, I am often asked for my advice in these situations about whether to leave. My answer is always the same: “This is a highly personal decision that is not mine to make.” That said, I do recommend that people give themselves permission to slow down and gather information in order to make a grounded and thoughtful decision.

We know from Dr. John Gottman’s research that someone who has been betrayed by their primary romantic partner very often experiences symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress (PTSD). We also know it is unwise to make major life decisions when in the midst of a crisis and not thinking clearly. Among other things, these PTSD symptoms may include intrusive thoughts of text or email exchanges, disturbing visual images of sexual acts, mood swings, irritability, and an inability to experience positive emotions.

These symptoms can make it nearly impossible to continue to function. Betrayed partners often find themselves doubting what is real and what is not, especially when there has been denial and defensiveness from the person who did the betraying. There can be a loss of trust in their partner, and even in their own perceptions, feeling as if they have failed in their ability to judge the character of their spouse.

As with any trauma, safety and self-care need to be the priorities. Step one is to normalize your full range of emotions and pain. It is normal to want to leave, and it is normal to feel a whole range of reactions including anger, anxiety, depression, suspiciousness, and general overwhelm. It is also normal to want to stay to work things out.

Although recovering from an affair can be very difficult work, there are many times couples find themselves in closer, more intimate partnerships as a result of healing together. Mental health professionals witness this on an ongoing basis. Perhaps neighbors, members of your community, or family have overcome this ordeal and are now happier together, unbeknownst to you.

It is important to recognize you are not alone. Although 90% of Americans say adultery is morally wrong, many families have secrets behind closed doors. One study found that approximately 23% of men and 19% of women in heterosexual marriages have had sexual affairs. These statistics are consistent with many other studies, although it is difficult to gather data about affairs because of the inherent secrecy and stigma of the issue. It may be more prevalent than studies show.

As unbearable as this pain is, and as difficult as it may be to see a way to get past it, a common mistake is a belief you have to “get out quick.” It is rarely this simple. You might still be in love, have children, or be living a life together that is integrally intertwined. Whatever your situation, there is often a confusing mix of strong emotions and feelings of ambivalence.

As you are weighing your options, you might only be looking at two extremes: (1) separation or (2) trying to forgive and move on. We have learned from relationship researchers that these extreme options are too difficult for most people in the immediate aftermath of such a traumatic event.

A third option is to make the decision together with your partner. A couples therapist or other professional trained in affair recovery can help the two of you process what happened, provide education, and give you a safe space to explore your options. You don’t have to know what you want before asking for help. Much of what we do is to guide couples in the decision-making process. You might benefit from learning what the journey would look like and hearing more about where your partner is emotionally. Your feelings might change as a result.

Although recovering from an affair can be very difficult work, there are many times couples find themselves in closer, more intimate partnerships as a result of healing together. Mental health professionals witness this on an ongoing basis. Perhaps neighbors, members of your community, or family have overcome this ordeal and are now happier together, unbeknownst to you.

There are, of course, other times couples decide to peacefully dissolve their union. This can be done respectfully and thoughtfully, especially if they wait until after the initial shock of the trauma. Energy can be placed into co-parenting—if there are children—or amicably separating property, thus reducing the risk of harm for all parties.

Ultimately, this decision lies with you and your partner. If you take your time to find clarity and make an informed and grounded decision, you may be more likely to feel the sense of peace you desperately seek.

References:

1. Gottman, J. M., & Gottman, J. S. (2016). Healing a Relationship from an Affair-Research Training Manual. The Gottman Institute.
2. Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (2012). What Makes Love Last? How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
3. Mark, K.P., Janssen, E., & Milhausen, R.R. (2011, October). Infidelity in heterosexual couples: demographic, interpersonal, and personality-related predictors of extradyadic sex. Archives of Sexual Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21667234

People pleasing is a way to reduce anxiety and eliminate stress. Some please to assure good feelings that come with positive responses like being approved of, admired, praised, or respected. Others please because of strong needs to avoid bad feelings that occur when, for example, others criticize, complain, or become angry. But there are some people who are not typical people pleasers. Instead, they live with intense anxiety that if they don’t behave in ways that elicit strong approval and avoid disapproval from others, the consequences will destroy their sense of well-being and safety. These are what I will refer to, for the purposes of this article, as terrified people pleasers.

Relationships and Terrified People Pleasers

Terrified people pleasers view the world as an impending source of danger. They tend to see relationships much like earthquakes and hurricanes: at any time, often with little warning, attachment to others can wreak great destruction in their lives. Vigilance and compliance become guidelines for safety.

Samantha walked into my office, and before I could ask, “What brings you here?” I found myself in the presence of an avalanche of feelings from someone who seemed to be a very angry, upset, frightened woman.

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“This is it. I can’t take it anymore,” she said. “All my friends are never available and selfish. I’m 63 years old, and I’m going to die alone. I’ve been seeing Marty on and off for 10 years, and he’s like everyone else: self-involved, stubborn, unloving or loving depending on his mood. I tell you, it’s enough! I’m so good to everyone, and they get what they want. I’m afraid to do things and be on my own, and I have to rely on people who always have time for each other but not for me. I’m tired of being angry and depressed and giving everyone what they want. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t seem to enjoy anything. No one likes me, and I hate everyone.”

It would take many months for me to understand the narrative of Samantha’s life. In our early sessions, Samantha described her anger and unhappiness with her friends who didn’t appreciate how she was always there for them and never reciprocated. She described taking them to dinner, helping them move into apartments, visiting when they were sick: “I did all the things a good friend does. Do you think I really wanted to be so helpful and attentive? No, I didn’t. But I felt that I had to be the perfect friend or they would all drop me. I sort of feel dropped anyway. No one ever offers to help me with anything.”

Samantha repeats this pattern of behavior with Marty: “I always work hard to figure out what he wants, and I work very hard to provide it even when I want to say ‘no.’ Then I resent him, but I’m scared he’ll leave me if I ask for anything. So for the last 10 years, our relationship has been crazy in and out. We date, we’re lovers, we’re friends, we stop seeing each other for a while, and then it starts all over again. Mostly, I freak out if either one of us gets angry. I always worry he’s going to be critical or distant, and I‘m never sure if I want him to stay or leave, but I get panic attacks if I think he wants to leave.”

When we explored this experience that felt so one-sided, it became apparent Samantha never asked friends for help or indicated any wish to be celebrated: “I don’t know, I guess it never feels okay to ask for anything. I’m afraid they’ll say no, and I’ll feel hurt and angry. I think I really have the feeling that they don’t want to please me like I don’t really want to please them. But I have no choice. I have to do it or I’ll be hurt and alone.”

Family Origins and Terrified People Pleasing

As her story unfolded, I could visualize the frightened little girl who had been designated by her father to be responsible for her mother. Although never medically diagnosed, I believe Samantha’s mother was probably bipolar. She describes a mother of unpredictable extremes: the mother who danced around the kitchen was funny, silly, all hugs, and the mother who stayed in bed, was silent or angry, and made several suicide attempts. Her father, a rarely present man who worked too much, praised Samantha for taking good care of her mother and would tell her, “You’re my good girl doing your job for us to make sure mommy is okay.”

Her father and her brother, older by three years, were emotionally detached from Samantha and her mother. Samantha recalled, “I was 12. It was the second time my mother tried to kill herself. I found her in bed with an empty bottle of pills, hardly breathing. I called 911 and my father. I don’t know where my brother was. My father told me to go in the ambulance with my mother and stay with her. He told me what a good girl I was. I don’t remember if he came to the hospital. He must have come to take me home. I just remember feeling so alone. I also felt so good that I made my father happy. There wasn’t much I could do to get that feeling.”

Much like the experience with her parents, her compliance resulted only in the transient feeling of being loved. From day to day and perhaps minute to minute, Samantha could not depend on her parents for reliable and consistent loving feelings. How could she trust anyone to love her or want to be with her?

I learned that Samantha craved the feeling of being the good girl and feeling that her mother and father loved her: “There wasn’t much I could do that would make me feel my father loved me. It looked like he loved my brother, who he did things with and joked with. He didn’t talk with me much except when he would ask about mom and how she was doing. I could get wonderful, loving feelings from my mother. I knew just what to do. I’d come home early to be with her after school. I never brought friends home. I thought she’d be mad that I wasn’t totally there for her, but I also didn’t want them to see how she was. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t put it into words. What was so scary for me was I’d never know which mother I would encounter on any day. She could be funny and hug and love me, or depressed and silent and absent. I’d feel so abandoned and then helpless to figure out how to make her happy and get her back so she could love me.”

One day, Samantha came to her session looking agitated. She told me: “I need to tell you about something. This is the memory I can’t get out of my head. It’s excruciating.” She burst into sobs: “I was terrified every day that she would kill herself. She did. In my senior year, I was talking about going to the local college, and I felt she was upset with me. I don’t know if that’s true, but I was afraid I was abandoning her. I thought maybe she and my father would be mad that I might not still be able to watch over her. In February of my senior year, I came home on a cold, snowy day. She wasn’t in the kitchen, and I felt that scary feeling I always got when she was in the bedroom when I got home. I went upstairs to her room and I knew as soon as I opened the door. I can’t say any more.”

Samantha learned very early that her behavior could lead to terrifying consequences: In order to feel safe, it was required that she make her parents happy. The dread of making them unhappy created panic and terror. Her detached father gave her the feelings of being valued, loved, and connected only if she played her ascribed role of caring for her mother’s emotional life and keeping her alive. Her mother’s erratic and unpredictable emotional life made it difficult for Samantha to feel she had any ability to know, predictably, how to please her mother.

Samantha had no space to develop an identity other than “the daughter who pleases her parents.” Separation and individuation were not an option, as it was too dangerous to think about her own wishes, needs, and desires.

Ambivalent Anxious Attachment

Samantha’s inability to make satisfying attachments to the people in her life mirrored her early attachments in her family. Perhaps the best categorization of Samantha’s attachment style is “ambivalent anxious attachment.” In this kind of attachment, the connection is characterized by mistrust and worry, but the need for the attachment is nevertheless intense. This pattern of attachment repeats itself in Samantha’s friendships and in her relationship with Marty. Even when wanting to say “no” to their wishes, desires, and perspectives, she always agreed. Much like the experience with her parents, her compliance resulted only in the transient feeling of being loved. From day to day and perhaps minute to minute, Samantha could not depend on her parents for reliable and consistent loving feelings. How could she trust anyone to love her or want to be with her?

Samantha has begun to understand how she repeats her early attachment style. She is learning to use thinking to override the terror and panic which emerge when she starts to feel that Marty is angry with her or a best friend doesn’t return texts or invite her to social events. This awareness is helping to diminish the degree of anxiety that occurs when she feels she’s being abandoned. She also is starting to see that her anger is evoked when she is suspicious about what people think of her and want from her.

Samantha is struggling. But she is committed to working at making changes in her patterns of attachment. As she alters her expectations and reactions to the people in her life, I expect they will respond to her in new ways. She has become increasingly able, in the moment, to consider that her assessments of her relationships based on historical responses are likely to need revision. As we continue to work, I believe she will continue to strengthen the power of her thinking so she can override acting on her feelings. Significantly, Samantha is developing a positive sense of self which can consider that she is making progress. She is.

Note: To protect privacy, names in the preceding article have been changed and the dialogues described are a composite.

Dear GoodTherapy.org,

My husband and I have been together for five years and have a great marriage that includes a very satisfying and active sex life. I’ve never cheated on him, and to my knowledge he’s always been faithful to me. But I have always been a natural flirt. It’s almost instinctive. The words come out of my mouth before I even realize what they are sometimes, and I’ll touch someone’s arm or shoulder before I even realize I’ve done it.

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Part of it is that I’m a social butterfly, and my ease in relating to others has won me a lot of friends over the years. But the flirting gets me into trouble sometimes, and I’m not sure what to do about it. Don’t get me wrong: I flirt with my husband more than anyone. But I also flirt with other men (and even women sometimes) in front of him, and while he never said much about it in our first couple of years together, he tends to point it out a lot now, and has admitted it bothers him.

I want to respect my husband’s feelings, and I really don’t mean to hurt him. At the same time, by stifling what comes naturally to me, even when the flirting is innocuous, I feel like I am stifling an essential part of my personality. What can I do to reconcile this? —Flirting with Disaster

Dear Flirting with Disaster,

So your flirtatious behavior is hurtful to your partner, you know it, and you’re doing it anyway. What is the possible “disaster” you allude to? Is it breaking up with your husband or something else?

You say the flirting is innocuous, but I’m not so sure it is if it gets you into trouble with your husband. Accurate or not, from your words it sounds a bit like you’re looking for trouble.

Flirting comes naturally for you, and you feel you would be “stifling an essential part” of your personality if you didn’t flirt. Is it possible that using the label “natural flirt” to describe yourself—which sounds like talking up an enviable talent or skill—is a way for you to downplay the behavior and its potential ramifications? Being good at something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing to do.

You say you are a social butterfly and thus have a lot of friends. That is a good thing. How would you describe the “butterfly” part of yourself? Where does it come from? Do social butterflies always flirt? What would you lose if you didn’t flirt the way you do? Would people still like you and want to be around you?

You say the words sometimes come out of your mouth before you know you’re saying them. That can certainly lead to disaster. It might be worthwhile, in social situations, to train yourself to pause and think before you speak. I’d venture to say social success goes beyond the simple measures of how effortlessly you banter or many people you attract. Considering the implications of your words and behaviors before they become actions is an essential part of effective communication.

I don’t know much about you from your letter, but I have worked with people in therapy for whom flirting was a way of feeling close, reassured, important, and loved by others. It’s possible to have many friends and be lonely in certain ways. If I were your therapist, I would explore this possibility with you to see whether there might be some loneliness—perhaps emotional or existential rather than physical in nature—under the surface of your behavior.

You write that your husband has admitted your flirting bothers him. You also write that you flirt with others in front of him, which doesn’t sound innocuous.

I’m not your therapist, of course, so I urge you to work with a therapist near you who can help you get to the root of all this. It may also be worthwhile to see a marriage counselor with your husband, as couples counseling can help you both open up safely and understand each other better. Sometimes, the most important part of communication is simply feeling heard, and therapy creates an impartial space for that to happen.

You write that your husband has admitted your flirting bothers him. You also write that you flirt with others in front of him, which doesn’t sound innocuous. He may feel belittled. Many people wouldn’t like being in that position. Perhaps your aim is to tease him? If it is, does he know that? Does it matter?

What does his anger mean to you? Does it make you mad at him? Do you resent him or feel he’s overreacting? Do you listen, acknowledge his feelings, and pledge to honor them? Where do things go off track?

I guess I’m concerned that flirting with others is already causing problems in your marriage, and those problems may grow. It’s easier to work on problems before they get too big, or entrenched, in a relationship. Relationship problems tend to worsen if they are not addressed. Where might that lead in your case?

Do I sound a little extreme? Maybe. But something in what you’re not saying makes me hear an alarm bell going off between the lines.

Thank you for writing bravely and honestly about this issue and how you’re contributing to it. I hope you find a solution, perhaps with the help of counseling, so that you and your husband can enjoy many mutually happy years together.

Sincerely,

Lynn

If your partner’s anger leaves you feeling drained, hurt, or unsure how to respond, you’re not alone. Many people in relationships struggle to navigate intense emotions in ways that protect both their well-being and their connection. An angry partner’s behaviors can strain communication, erode trust, and damage the relationship’s health.

The good news is that you can take steps to respond calmly, protect yourself emotionally, and create space for healthier interactions. Drawing on therapeutic principles, here are eight strategies for dealing with an angry partner and restoring harmony in your relationship.

Understanding the Impact of Anger in Relationships

When anger becomes a regular presence in a relationship, it can harm emotional safety and trust. Anger can be detrimental to relationships when it’s expressed through criticism, defensiveness, or hostility. It may leave you feeling unheard, frustrated, and disconnected.

However, learning to respond constructively—not with equal anger—can shift the dynamic. Using skills like emotional regulation, respectful communication, and boundary setting, you can protect your well-being and possibly encourage positive change in your partner.

8 Strategies for Dealing with an Angry Partner

1. De-escalate and Neutralize Emotionally

If you try to control an angry partner, they may become defensive and even less cooperative. Instead of reacting with your own anger, recognize their feelings and stay calm. The calmer you remain, the quicker their anger is likely to subside.

The ultimate goal of de-escalation is to reduce emotional intensity and redirect the conversation toward cooperation.

2. Be Assertive and Respectful

Assertiveness means expressing your needs and boundaries clearly, while respecting your partner’s feelings. This approach shows confidence and honesty without aggression. When you communicate assertively, you empower both yourself and your partner to take responsibility for their role in the relationship.

3. Communicate Constructively, Understand, and Validate

People often become angry when they feel unheard, dismissed, or unappreciated. Actively listening—without judgment—can help de-escalate their anger.

Validation doesn’t mean agreeing with everything your partner says; it means acknowledging their perspective and emotions. You might say, “What I hear you saying is ____. Is that correct?” This slight shift can make your partner feel respected and understood.

If you’re struggling to find common ground, consider finding a therapist who can guide you both toward more constructive conversations.

4. Practice Patience and Compassion

Beneath anger often lie more vulnerable emotions like sadness, fear, or pain. While anger may help someone feel in control temporarily, it can cause long-term harm to both partners. Practicing compassion toward your partner can help shift the focus from blame to empathy.

Patience allows you to pause before reacting, creating room for more thoughtful responses and mutual understanding. While patience helps keep emotions in check, it’s also important to consider which conflicts truly need addressing—some disagreements are better set aside.

5. Pick Your Battles and Think Long-Term

Not every disagreement needs to become a conflict. Choosing which issues are worth addressing can protect your energy and the relationship.

Let go of minor grievances and focus on the topics that truly matter for your shared future. Exercising restraint can sometimes be the wisest strategy.

6. Reflect on Your Actions and Understand the Triggers

Being accountable for your role in conflicts can reduce defensiveness on both sides. Consider what actions may trigger their anger and how you can adjust your own responses.

Greater awareness often leads to more constructive behavior and improved relationship health.

7. Address Your Challenge When Your Partner Is Calm

Problem-solving is rarely effective when emotions are running high. Wait until both you and your partner are calm before addressing concerns.

If your partner has a pattern of angry behavior, use the calmer moments to discuss underlying issues and explore solutions.

8. Think Influence, Not Control

You cannot control another person, but you can influence them by modeling respectful behavior and creating an environment that supports cooperation.

Treating your partner with kindness, even when tensions are high, may increase the likelihood of positive change. The saying, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” applies here—empathy and patience can open the door to better communication.

When to Seek Professional Support

Self-help strategies can be powerful, but there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Consider reaching out to a therapist if:

• Your partner’s anger feels threatening

• The anger is frequent and intense

• You feel unsafe, emotionally drained, or unable to communicate effectively

A trained professional can help both of you explore underlying causes and develop healthier patterns.

The GoodTherapy Approach

For over 17 years, GoodTherapy has been committed to connecting people with ethical, compassionate therapists. Our therapist directory includes professionals specializing in anger management, relationship counseling, and emotional regulation.

If you’re struggling to navigate a partner’s anger, remember you don’t have to face it alone. A qualified therapist can help you both develop healthier communication and coping strategies—find a therapist today who can support your relationship’s growth.