Practice frameworks that keep conversations clear, compassionate, and actionable across every relationship.
Adopt the 80/20 rule: listen 80 percent of the time, speak 20 percent. Mirror back what you heard before responding.
Use the phrase "What I am hearing is..." to slow reactive conversations.
Weekly or bi-weekly touchpoints prevent small annoyances from becoming ruptures. Combine logistics with emotional temperature checks.
Try the Glow/Glitch/Grow framework: what is shining, what felt off, and what you would like to adjust next.
Assume positive intent. Most ruptures come from mismatched expectations, not malice.
State the observation, share the impact, request a new behaviour, and invite their perspective.
Let partners know how to reach you during emergencies, what tone to use when you are overwhelmed, and how to offer help.
Create shared language for reassurance: code words, emojis, or check-in questions to send mid-date.
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