How Do You Handle Conflict in Relationships? Take Our Quiz and Find Out

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Quiz Questions

1.
How do you feel about compromise?
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- A.
  I am usually the one making compromises to keep the peace.
- B.
  I am willing to compromise if it means finding a mutually beneficial solution.
- C.
  I prefer to avoid conflict altogether.
- D.
  I believe compromise is a sign of weakness.
- E.
  I believe compromise is necessary to resolve conflicts.
2.
Your partner wants to take a couples trip with friends, but you just got a new puppy and are worried about leaving it in someone else's care so soon. How do you handle this?
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- A.
  I would discuss my concerns with my partner and work together to find a solution that addresses both of our needs
- B.
  Find a way to compromise, such as taking turns going on trips or finding someone I really trust to care of the puppy
- C.
  Avoid talking about it and hope my partner changes his/her mind
- D.
  Agree to go on the trip even though I'm worried about the puppy
- E.
  Insist on not going. This is a non-negotiable for me
3.
You and your spouse don't have the same perspective when it comes to money. What do you do?
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- A.
  I try to avoid the topic altogether. It's better to keep the peace from my perspective
- B.
  I would suggest that we create a budget and plan for our finances together
- C.
  I would let them have control over the finances. They clearly have stronger feelings about it
- D.
  I'll argue my point of view until they eventually give in to what I want
- E.
  I'm sure there's a compromise somewhere that will work for both of us
4.
Your partner raises their voice or becomes emotional during an argument? How do you respond?
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- A.
  I respond in the same way, raising my voice and becoming emotional as well
- B.
  I listen to what they're saying and try to address their concerns
- C.
  I shut down and walk away from the situation
- D.
  I try to acknowledge their emotions while controlling my own
- E.
  I apologize and take responsibility for their emotional response
5.
Your spouse forgot to book your anniversary weekend getaway like they've been promising the past three weeks. What do you do?
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- A.
  I would ask them why remembering to book the getaway has been so challenging and offer ways to help them remember
- B.
  Let it go and hope that they'll eventually remember.
- C.
  Offer to book the hotel stay if they would book the plane tickets.
- D.
  Confront them and demand that they keep their word
- E.
  Just take care of booking the anniversary getaway myself
6.
How do you approach disagreements about household chores with your partner?
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- A.
  Doing the chores my way is really the best way
- B.
  I do most of the household chores to keep the peace
- C.
  We work together to divide up household responsibilities fairly
- D.
  I avoid talking about chores altogether
- E.
  I find a compromise that works for both of us
7.
Your partner wants to go out to dinner, but you had planned a quiet evening at home. What do you do?
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- A.
  Pretend to be sick and avoid the situation altogether
- B.
  Go out to dinner
- C.
  Insist on staying home
- D.
  Suggest cooking dinner together at home
- E.
  Agree to go out but only if I can pick the restaurant
8.
You and your spouse have decided to renovate all of the bedrooms in your home. You have very different opinions on how to decorate. How do you resolve this conflict?
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- A.
  Find a way to compromise, such as picking different rooms to decorate
- B.
  Work together to find a solution that incorporates both of our ideas
- C.
  Insist on my own way and disregard my spouse's opinion
- D.
  Avoid the conflict and leave the home undecorated
- E.
  Let my spouse make all the decisions
9.
Your spouse is ready to start a family with you, but you'd rather enjoy a few more years traveling together without worrying about kids. How do you deal with this disagreement?
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- A.
  This is important to me, so I'm not budging
- B.
  There has to be a solution that will make both of us happy. I would find a way to work together to find it.
- C.
  I would just avoid the conversation altogether. If we're not talking about it, technically there's no disagreement.
- D.
  I would suggest a compromise to find a middle ground so neither one of us would have to completely give up what we want.
- E.
  I would just go with what my spouse wants. Clearly it's important to them and their happiness is important to me.
10.
Your spouse makes a comment that dinner is a bit salty. How do you respond?
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- A.
  Let them know that I'll go lighter with the salt next time. In the meantime, maybe they can enjoy more salad instead.
- B.
  Ignore the criticism and move on. If I don't respond, then we don't have to talk about it.
- C.
  Ask them how much less salt they would have preferred. Taste is subjective and everyone has their own preference after all.
- D.
  Apologize and try to find them a portion of the dinner that maybe didn't get as much salt.
- E.
  Get defensive and tell them their tastebuds are clearly defective.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Your conflict style is... Competing
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Congrats, friend – by completing the "Relationship Rescue Quiz: Understanding Your Conflict Style" you've shown your commitment to building a healthy, happy relationship 🙌Based on your responses, your conflict style is COMPETITOR. So what does that actually mean? You are confident and assertive, and you are not afraid to speak up for your needs and desires. You have a clear vision of what you want.However, this conflict style can create challenges in your relationship as you tend to prioritize your needs over your partner's, leading to a win-lose situation.With a competing conflict style, you can be perceived as confrontational and aggressive, which can lead to communication breakdown, resentment, and anger between you and your partner. Your partner may feel undervalued and unheard, leading to a lack of intimacy and trust in the relationship.To improve on the way you deal with conflict, it's important for you to practice active listening and empathy towards your spouse's needs and desires. Strive to find mutually beneficial solutions to conflicts rather than solely pursuing your own interests. Building a safe and respectful communication environment can help both you and your partner feel valued and heard.Additionally, working with a marriage coach, therapist or a counselor can help you develop skills to manage conflicts in a healthier way.“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” —Mignon McLaughlin5 tips for building and keeping healthy relationships...1) Remember you're on the same teamJust because you're married, doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. Instead of bottling up your anger, it's healthier to talk it out in a loving and respectful manner. However, when doing so, always keep in mind that you and your spouse are on the same team. It's important to approach issues from a side by side, or "us," perspective rather than a "you vs. me" perspective. When you do this, you end up fighting agains the conflict together, rather than fighting over the conflict against each other.2) Show appreciation and kindnessA simple act of kindness can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Show appreciation for your partner by expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small ways every opportunity you get. This could be something as simple as a heartfelt thank you or a small gesture like bringing them their favorite snack. These small acts of kindness create a positive emotional connection that can deepen over time and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner. Additionally, you're depositing into your emotional bank account (or "love bank"), which helps build a strong foundation of friendship for your relationship.3) Practice open communicationOne of the most important things in a healthy marriage is effective communication. It's essential to create an environment in your relationship where you both can safely talk about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Take turns listening with the intent of truly trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Be careful to not allow your mind to wander into what your response will be, but be intentional about giving your spouse your full and undivided attention. Make sure they feel heard and understood by repeating back what you think they said for confirmation, along with a few of your own words to demostrate empathy. Make an effort to communicate daily, even if it's just small talk, and avoid keeping things from one another. Pro-tip: Sign up for The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples and level up your relationship communication!4) Laughter is the best medicineDon't take everything too seriously. Laughter and enjoyment are important components of a healthy marriage because they promote positive emotions, build stronger connections, and help couples to navigate life's challenges together. Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and tension, and it can help to defuse conflicts and create a more positive and relaxed atmosphere in your marriage. When couples can laugh together, it can help to create a sense of shared joy and build intimacy and trust. Furthermore, you become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise in any marriage, and more resilient to weather the ups and downs of life together.5) Keep The Romance AliveIt's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget to make time for each other. Take the time to plan date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures to keep the romance alive. Even simple things like leaving a love note or cooking their favorite meal can show them that you care. Don't be afraid to show affection and physical touch, as it's an important way to connect. Holding hands, a sensual massage, and some cuddling are all great examples of physical touch. In fact, learning each other's love language and showing love to your spouse in that way can be a game changer for your relationship. And finally, don't underestimate the power of physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage. Both are essential for a marriage to thrive.Want to be friends? Let me introduce myselfHey there, and welcome – I'm Nadine Stewart 👋 I'm a Christian Marriage and Relationship Coach based in Seattle, WA, and creator of The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples. I'm here to help you and your spouse build the kind of marriage you love. Whether your connection is suddenly off, or your communication has hit the rocks, I can offer you tools and guidance that can get you back on track to a thriving marriage.Looking for a little extra guidance? Check out these 3 free resources1) Listen to A Purpose Driven Marriage podcast. For real answers to the real life challenges in your marriage, you'll want to check out our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.2) Follow me on Instagram. I post my tips for building healthy, thriving relationships. Connection, communication, and collaboration? I've got you covered 🙌3) Book a free 15-minute consultation with me. If you can't wait another day to start transforming your relationship, book a time for us to chat about marriage coaching! You've got nothing to lose, friend.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox ASAP with more tips to help you get better at resolving conflict in a healthy way, learn to communicate better, and improve the overall quality of your marriage.
2.
Your conflict style is...Collaborating
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Congrats, friend – by completing the "Relationship Rescue Quiz: Understanding Your Conflict Style" you've shown your commitment to building a healthy, happy relationship 🙌Based on your responses, your conflict style is COLLABORATOR. So what does that actually mean? You prioritize open communication, active listening, and mutual understanding when facing differences and disagreements with your partner.You seek to find a solution that satisfies both of your needs and interests, and are willing to compromise and make concessions to achieve that goal.As a result, you foster a deep sense of trust and respect between the two of you. You take the time to listen and understand your partner's perspective, which helps to build a stronger emotional connection and a greater sense of intimacy. Additionally, you're not afraid to voice your own needs and desires, which can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship for both partners.Be aware, though, that sometimes the focus on compromise and collaboration can lead to a tendency to avoid conflict altogether, which can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. By learning to be a little more assertive, you can ensure that your own needs are met while still working towards a mutually satisfying solution. Additionally, it can be helpful to practice active listening and empathy even in non-conflict situations, as this can help to strengthen the communication skills necessary for successful collaboration.“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” —Ruth Bell Graham5 tips for building and keeping healthy relationships...1) Remember you're on the same teamJust because you're married, doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. Instead of bottling up your anger, it's healthier to talk it out in a loving and respectful manner. However, when doing so, always keep in mind that you and your spouse are on the same team. It's important to approach issues from a side by side, or "us," perspective rather than a "you vs. me" perspective. When you do this, you end up fighting agains the conflict together, rather than fighting over the conflict against each other.2) Show appreciation and kindnessA simple act of kindness can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Show appreciation for your partner by expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small ways every opportunity you get. This could be something as simple as a heartfelt thank you or a small gesture like bringing them their favorite snack. These small acts of kindness create a positive emotional connection that can deepen over time and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner. Additionally, you're depositing into your emotional bank account (or "love bank"), which helps build a strong foundation of friendship for your relationship.3) Practice open communicationOne of the most important things in a healthy marriage is effective communication. It's essential to create an environment in your relationship where you both can safely talk about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Take turns listening with the intent of truly trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Be careful to not allow your mind to wander into what your response will be, but be intentional about giving your spouse your full and undivided attention. Make sure they feel heard and understood by repeating back what you think they said for confirmation, along with a few of your own words to demostrate empathy. Make an effort to communicate daily, even if it's just small talk, and avoid keeping things from one another. Pro-tip: Sign up for The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples and level up your relationship communication!4) Laughter is the best medicineDon't take everything too seriously. Laughter and enjoyment are important components of a healthy marriage because they promote positive emotions, build stronger connections, and help couples to navigate life's challenges together. Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and tension, and it can help to defuse conflicts and create a more positive and relaxed atmosphere in your marriage. When couples can laugh together, it can help to create a sense of shared joy and build intimacy and trust. Furthermore, you become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise in any marriage, and more resilient to weather the ups and downs of life together.5) Keep The Romance AliveIt's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget to make time for each other. Take the time to plan date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures to keep the romance alive. Even simple things like leaving a love note or cooking their favorite meal can show them that you care. Don't be afraid to show affection and physical touch, as it's an important way to connect. Holding hands, a sensual massage, and some cuddling are all great examples of physical touch. In fact, learning each other's love language and showing love to your spouse in that way can be a game changer for your relationship. And finally, don't underestimate the power of physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage. Both are essential for a marriage to thrive.Want to be friends? Let me introduce myselfHey there, and welcome – I'm Nadine Stewart 👋 I'm a Christian Marriage and Relationship Coach based in Seattle, WA, and creator of The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples. I'm here to help you and your spouse build the kind of marriage you love. Whether your connection is suddenly off, or your communication has hit the rocks, I can offer you tools and guidance that can get you back on track to a thriving marriage.Looking for a little extra guidance? Check out these 3 free resources1) Listen to A Purpose Driven Marriage podcast. For real answers to the real life challenges in your marriage, you'll want to check out our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.2) Follow me on Instagram. I post my tips for building healthy, thriving relationships. Connection, communication, and collaboration? I've got you covered 🙌3) Book a free 15-minute consultation with me. If you can't wait another day to start transforming your relationship, book a time for us to chat about marriage coaching! You've got nothing to lose, friend.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox ASAP with more tips to help you get better at resolving conflict in a healthy way, learn to communicate better, and improve the overall quality of your marriage.
3.
Your conflict style is...Avoiding
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Congrats, friend – by completing the "Relationship Rescue Quiz: Understanding Your Conflict Style" you've shown your commitment to building a healthy, happy relationship 🙌Based on your responses, your conflict style is AVOIDER. So what does that actually mean? You are a great listener and are highly empathetic towards your partner. You are gentle and kind, which makes you highly approachable, and due to your calm nature, you're able to stay level-headed and composed even in most emotionally charged situations. However, your avoidant nature can cause problems in the relationship because you have a tendency to withdraw from situations or conversations that are uncomfortable. This can lead to unresolved issues that fester over time and can leave your partner feeling unheard and dismissed.You may also feel overwhelmed and anxious when faced with conflict, leading you to avoid it altogether. It's essential that you learn to express your needs and feelings clearly and openly. You can start by acknowledging your partner's concerns and actively listening to them without judgment. It may also be beneficial to work on building your self-esteem and confidence so that you can feel more comfortable speaking up and addressing conflicts as they arise. Remember, your spouse is not your enemy. You can overcome any conflict together...as a team.Finally, couples coaching, therapy or counseling can be a useful tool for learning communication skills and developing healthier conflict resolution strategies.“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” —Elizabeth Gilbert5 tips for building and keeping healthy relationships...1) Remember you're on the same teamJust because you're married, doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. Instead of bottling up your anger, it's healthier to talk it out in a loving and respectful manner. However, when doing so, always keep in mind that you and your spouse are on the same team. It's important to approach issues from a side by side, or "us," perspective rather than a "you vs. me" perspective. When you do this, you end up fighting agains the conflict together, rather than fighting over the conflict against each other.2) Show appreciation and kindnessA simple act of kindness can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Show appreciation for your partner by expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small ways every opportunity you get. This could be something as simple as a heartfelt thank you or a small gesture like bringing them their favorite snack. These small acts of kindness create a positive emotional connection that can deepen over time and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner. Additionally, you're depositing into your emotional bank account (or "love bank"), which helps build a strong foundation of friendship for your relationship.3) Practice open communicationOne of the most important things in a healthy marriage is effective communication. It's essential to create an environment in your relationship where you both can safely talk about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Take turns listening with the intent of truly trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Be careful to not allow your mind to wander into what your response will be, but be intentional about giving your spouse your full and undivided attention. Make sure they feel heard and understood by repeating back what you think they said for confirmation, along with a few of your own words to demostrate empathy. Make an effort to communicate daily, even if it's just small talk, and avoid keeping things from one another. Pro-tip: Sign up for The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples and level up your relationship communication!4) Laughter is the best medicineDon't take everything too seriously. Laughter and enjoyment are important components of a healthy marriage because they promote positive emotions, build stronger connections, and help couples to navigate life's challenges together. Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and tension, and it can help to defuse conflicts and create a more positive and relaxed atmosphere in your marriage. When couples can laugh together, it can help to create a sense of shared joy and build intimacy and trust. Furthermore, you become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise in any marriage, and more resilient to weather the ups and downs of life together.5) Keep The Romance AliveIt's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget to make time for each other. Take the time to plan date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures to keep the romance alive. Even simple things like leaving a love note or cooking their favorite meal can show them that you care. Don't be afraid to show affection and physical touch, as it's an important way to connect. Holding hands, a sensual massage, and some cuddling are all great examples of physical touch. In fact, learning each other's love language and showing love to your spouse in that way can be a game changer for your relationship. And finally, don't underestimate the power of physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage. Both are essential for a marriage to thrive.Want to be friends? Let me introduce myselfHey there, and welcome – I'm Nadine Stewart 👋 I'm a Christian Marriage and Relationship Coach based in Seattle, WA, and creator of The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples. I'm here to help you and your spouse build the kind of marriage you love. Whether your connection is suddenly off, or your communication has hit the rocks, I can offer you tools and guidance that can get you back on track to a thriving marriage.Looking for a little extra guidance? Check out these 3 free resources1) Listen to A Purpose Driven Marriage podcast. For real answers to the real life challenges in your marriage, you'll want to check out our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.2) Follow me on Instagram. I post my tips for building healthy, thriving relationships. Connection, communication, and collaboration? I've got you covered 🙌3) Book a free 15-minute consultation with me. If you can't wait another day to start transforming your relationship, book a time for us to chat about marriage coaching! You've got nothing to lose, friend.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox ASAP with more tips to help you get better at resolving conflict in a healthy way, learn to communicate better, and improve the overall quality of your marriage.
4.
Your conflict style is...Compromising
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Congrats, friend – by completing the "Relationship Rescue Quiz: Understanding Your Conflict Style" you've shown your commitment to building a healthy, happy relationship 🙌Based on your responses, your conflict style is COMPROMISER. So what does that actually mean? You seek to find a middle ground in every argument or disagreement you have with your partner. You’re a good listener and try to respect and understand your partner's opinions. This can create a sense of fairness and equity in your relationship.Your focus is a "win-win" with both of you sacrificing something. You may use words like "give and take" or "lets meet halfway". You’re focused on the relationship but you’re willing to make concessions in order for the relationship to be happy. This can lead to effective and efficient problem-solving. When both partners are willing to compromise, it becomes easier to find a solution that works for everyone, which can prevent conflicts from escalating into more significant issues. However, in some cases, one partner may feel like they are always making the concessions, leading to resentment and a feeling of being taken advantage of. The compromiser may also avoid confronting deeper issues in their relationship, instead choosing to settle for surface-level solutions.To have an even healthier conflict style, consider practicing assertiveness in your communication. Learn to express your needs and concerns while also being open to your spouse's needs and concerns. Setting clear boundaries and expectations can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce the potential for conflicts to arise. Finally, conflict can be a great reset or energizer to a healthy relationship. Addressing deeper issues in your marriage can lead to more meaningful and long-lasting solutions rather than just settling for surface-level agreements.“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” —André Maurois5 tips for building and keeping healthy relationships...1) Remember you're on the same teamJust because you're married, doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. Instead of bottling up your anger, it's healthier to talk it out in a loving and respectful manner. However, when doing so, always keep in mind that you and your spouse are on the same team. It's important to approach issues from a side by side, or "us," perspective rather than a "you vs. me" perspective. When you do this, you end up fighting agains the conflict together, rather than fighting over the conflict against each other.2) Show appreciation and kindnessA simple act of kindness can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Show appreciation for your partner by expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small ways every opportunity you get. This could be something as simple as a heartfelt thank you or a small gesture like bringing them their favorite snack. These small acts of kindness create a positive emotional connection that can deepen over time and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner. Additionally, you're depositing into your emotional bank account (or "love bank"), which helps build a strong foundation of friendship for your relationship.3) Practice open communicationOne of the most important things in a healthy marriage is effective communication. It's essential to create an environment in your relationship where you both can safely talk about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Take turns listening with the intent of truly trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Be careful to not allow your mind to wander into what your response will be, but be intentional about giving your spouse your full and undivided attention. Make sure they feel heard and understood by repeating back what you think they said for confirmation, along with a few of your own words to demostrate empathy. Make an effort to communicate daily, even if it's just small talk, and avoid keeping things from one another. Pro-tip: Sign up for The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples and level up your relationship communication!4) Laughter is the best medicineDon't take everything too seriously. Laughter and enjoyment are important components of a healthy marriage because they promote positive emotions, build stronger connections, and help couples to navigate life's challenges together. Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and tension, and it can help to defuse conflicts and create a more positive and relaxed atmosphere in your marriage. When couples can laugh together, it can help to create a sense of shared joy and build intimacy and trust. Furthermore, you become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise in any marriage, and more resilient to weather the ups and downs of life together.5) Keep The Romance AliveIt's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget to make time for each other. Take the time to plan date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures to keep the romance alive. Even simple things like leaving a love note or cooking their favorite meal can show them that you care. Don't be afraid to show affection and physical touch, as it's an important way to connect. Holding hands, a sensual massage, and some cuddling are all great examples of physical touch. In fact, learning each other's love language and showing love to your spouse in that way can be a game changer for your relationship. And finally, don't underestimate the power of physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage. Both are essential for a marriage to thrive.Want to be friends? Let me introduce myselfHey there, and welcome – I'm Nadine Stewart 👋 I'm a Christian Marriage and Relationship Coach based in Seattle, WA, and creator of The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples. I'm here to help you and your spouse build the kind of marriage you love. Whether your connection is suddenly off, or your communication has hit the rocks, I can offer you tools and guidance that can get you back on track to a thriving marriage.Looking for a little extra guidance? Check out these 3 free resources1) Listen to A Purpose Driven Marriage podcast. For real answers to the real life challenges in your marriage, you'll want to check out our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.2) Follow me on Instagram. I post my tips for building healthy, thriving relationships. Connection, communication, and collaboration? I've got you covered 🙌3) Book a free 15-minute consultation with me. If you can't wait another day to start transforming your relationship, book a time for us to chat about marriage coaching! You've got nothing to lose, friend.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox ASAP with more tips to help you get better at resolving conflict in a healthy way, learn to communicate better, and improve the overall quality of your marriage.
5.
Your conflict style is...Accommodating
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Congrats, friend – by completing the "Relationship Rescue Quiz: Understanding Your Conflict Style" you've shown your commitment to building a healthy, happy relationship 🙌Based on your responses, your conflict style is ACCOMMODATOR. So what does that actually mean? You are like a warm blanket on a chilly day.It's all about making peace, finding common ground, and keeping the relationship running smoothly. You're a natural peacemaker and a great listener. You have a knack for finding win-win solutions and are always ready to lend an ear, offer advice, and give support. You're like a diplomat, smoothing over ruffled feathers and keeping everyone happy.But being an accommodator isn't always easy. You can sometimes feel like a doormat, constantly giving in to other people's demands. You may struggle to express your own needs and wants, which can lead to resentment and frustration. And you might find it hard to stand up for yourself when others are being unreasonable or unfair.But don't worry - there are ways to cope with these challenges. For example, you can practice setting boundaries and saying "no" when you need to. You can also work on assertiveness skills, so that you can communicate your needs clearly and respectfully. And you can remember to take care of yourself, too - after all, you can't pour from an empty cup!“A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.” —Unknown5 tips for building and keeping healthy relationships...1) Remember you're on the same teamJust because you're married, doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. Instead of bottling up your anger, it's healthier to talk it out in a loving and respectful manner. However, when doing so, always keep in mind that you and your spouse are on the same team. It's important to approach issues from a side by side, or "us," perspective rather than a "you vs. me" perspective. When you do this, you end up fighting agains the conflict together, rather than fighting over the conflict against each other.2) Show appreciation and kindnessA simple act of kindness can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Show appreciation for your partner by expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small ways every opportunity you get. This could be something as simple as a heartfelt thank you or a small gesture like bringing them their favorite snack. These small acts of kindness create a positive emotional connection that can deepen over time and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner. Additionally, you're depositing into your emotional bank account (or "love bank"), which helps build a strong foundation of friendship for your relationship.3) Practice open communicationOne of the most important things in a healthy marriage is effective communication. It's essential to create an environment in your relationship where you both can safely talk about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Take turns listening with the intent of truly trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Be careful to not allow your mind to wander into what your response will be, but be intentional about giving your spouse your full and undivided attention. Make sure they feel heard and understood by repeating back what you think they said for confirmation, along with a few of your own words to demostrate empathy. Make an effort to communicate daily, even if it's just small talk, and avoid keeping things from one another. Pro-tip: Sign up for The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples and level up your relationship communication!4) Laughter is the best medicineDon't take everything too seriously. Laughter and enjoyment are important components of a healthy marriage because they promote positive emotions, build stronger connections, and help couples to navigate life's challenges together. Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and tension, and it can help to defuse conflicts and create a more positive and relaxed atmosphere in your marriage. When couples can laugh together, it can help to create a sense of shared joy and build intimacy and trust. Furthermore, you become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise in any marriage, and more resilient to weather the ups and downs of life together.5) Keep The Romance AliveIt's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget to make time for each other. Take the time to plan date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures to keep the romance alive. Even simple things like leaving a love note or cooking their favorite meal can show them that you care. Don't be afraid to show affection and physical touch, as it's an important way to connect. Holding hands, a sensual massage, and some cuddling are all great examples of physical touch. In fact, learning each other's love language and showing love to your spouse in that way can be a game changer for your relationship. And finally, don't underestimate the power of physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage. Both are essential for a marriage to thrive.Want to be friends? Let me introduce myselfHey there, and welcome – I'm Nadine Stewart 👋 I'm a Christian Marriage and Relationship Coach based in Seattle, WA, and creator of The Ultimate Communication Course for Couples. I'm here to help you and your spouse build the kind of marriage you love. Whether your connection is suddenly off, or your communication has hit the rocks, I can offer you tools and guidance that can get you back on track to a thriving marriage.Looking for a little extra guidance? Check out these 3 free resources1) Listen to A Purpose Driven Marriage podcast. For real answers to the real life challenges in your marriage, you'll want to check out our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.2) Follow me on Instagram. I post my tips for building healthy, thriving relationships. Connection, communication, and collaboration? I've got you covered 🙌3) Book a free 15-minute consultation with me. If you can't wait another day to start transforming your relationship, book a time for us to chat about marriage coaching! You've got nothing to lose, friend.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox ASAP with more tips to help you get better at resolving conflict in a healthy way, learn to communicate better, and improve the overall quality of your marriage.

How Do You Handle Conflict in Relationships? Take Our Quiz and Find Out

Take this two-minute quiz to discover your conflict style or how you tend to respond in times of conflict.(For the most accurate result, answer the questions as truthfully as possible).

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes