I can say with certainty that we all have experienced a feeling of worry, nervousness or overwhelmed. After all, it’s a natural emotion to have-it’s our body’s natural response that lets us know when something’s off, or when we’re living through an experience that’s out of our comfort zone and leading us, in a healthy way, to grow and develop. These emotions can often be constructive and they’re indicators of growth.

Improving conflict skills with your partner begins with learning to communicate openly and respectfully, even during disagreements. This means actively listening without interrupting, acknowledging each other’s feelings, and expressing your own needs clearly without blame or defensiveness. Using “I” statements—such as “I feel hurt when…” instead of “You always…”—can reduce the chances of your partner feeling attacked and help keep the conversation productive. Setting aside time to talk when both partners are calm can also prevent arguments from escalating emotionally.