Share this page
Time Out is a simple strategy that will help you manage conflicts by avoiding the negative (and often unintended) momentum that often causes damage to your relationship. If you notice any of the 4 Danger Signs (Escalation, Invalidation, Withdrawal, Negative Interpretation) creeping into your conversations, then it may be time to tap the brakes and take a Time Out.
There are both emotional and physical signals that a Time Out might be needed: heart racing, raising your voice, getting overwhelmed with negative emotions, struggling to communicate clearly, or a fight-or-flight feeling. Use the Time Out to cool off, lower the intensity, or to process if a lot of information has been delivered too quickly. A simple pause in the action is often all that is needed for each of us to compose ourselves and resume the conversation in a healthy and productive manner.
The rules for a Time Out during an argument or stressful discussion are simple.
Tags: Communication
Is it inevitable that couples lose the spark in their marriage over time? With 25 years of marriage experience and counting, Boaz and Claire Nazar have found the answer is no. They share how dating in marriage has helped them keep the flame burning through the decades.
Mini Marriage PREP Tips: The Speaker-Listener Technique is an effective tool to help couples talk without fighting. The Technique is a set of rules that ensures each person gets a chance to speak their views; and that what is being said is accurately heard.
When your marriage falters, it is hard to turn it around, but with commitment, forgiveness and a willingness to change, it is possible to fall in love with your spouse again.
Being caught in the middle in relationship issues and conflicts between his wife and mother, our contributor Tan Chin Hock, shares some suggestions in managing such situations and maintaining family harmony.