“Mirror.” When your partner expresses his or her feelings, show that you’re listening by paraphrasing. Start with, “Let me see if I’ve got that: You feel…” Resist the urge to interrupt. “Instead of, ‘Are you through now?’ try, ‘Is there more to that?’ " says Hendrix. “This shows your partner that he or she can feel open and safe with you.” Of course, saying it calmly helps, too. Validate your spouse’s point of view. Finish with, “I can imagine that because of [fill in the situation], you feel [angry, sad, guilty, etc.].” MORE: 12 Ways To Fix Your Marriage
