Member-only story
By Ashley K. Randall (Ph.D), Susan Boon (Ph.D) & Others
Images by Arizona State University’s Design Team
Many couples may be facing a “make or break” time in their romantic relationship, and are searching for tools to manage increased stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
“It’s important to set the playing field: Recognize that you and your partner are a team. Although you and your partner may be experiencing similar stressors, you also may be experiencing different, personally relevant, stressors.” — Ashley K. Randall, Associate professor at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
1. Verbally express your emotions in a calm and nondefensive manner
Stress reduces communication by roughly 40%, so it’s important to try to be concrete and detailed in communicating your stress to your partner.
2. Give time and space to listen to your partner’s stress without interrupting
Ask open-ended questions like, “how did you experience this?” and respond by summarizing your…
