It can often feel like you speak a different language when you're in a relationship and it may leave your partner aggrieved by your words or your actions. Sometimes you know what you've done and other times you find yourself in the dog house for reasons you're not aware of. Here we have ten tips for if you find yourself out in the cold and the wet.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

Say you're sorry- Not a half-hearted sorry- one you actually mean. If you can't think of or verbalise the words- write them down. You may not know what you're apologising for but at least you are acknowledging what you said or did affected them in a negative way.

Put down the technology- If the reason you're in the dog house is because you never look up from your phone, I pad or Kindle- put it down and take notice of the person you share everything with.

Go out and spend some quality time with your partner- Perhaps the reason your loved one is mad with you is because you never spend any time just you and them. If you work long hours and spend the rest of your free time with friends- it might be time to change things up to get your SO on your side again.

Send them a sorry gift- It doesn't have to cost the earth- just something you know they will love or something personal to you as a couple.

Help out- Maybe your spouse is mad at you for your lack of efforts around the house. If this is the case- chip in and lighten their load- without them having to ask you. Fill or empty the dishwasher, put a load of washing in, cook them tea- there are so many things you can do to ease the mundane daily tasks of life.

Be romantic- Not everyone responds to store bought gifts so you might want to think more creatively. Why not take them for romantic picnic or lay on a barbecue with candles if the weather is nice? If its lousy outside- why not take the candles up to the bedroom, run them a bath, give them a massage or show them a night of passion.

Give them space- You might know from previous occasions that what they need is time to cool off so it might be wise to give them a few days to think things through. Let them know that you are sorry and that you will be there for them when they are ready to discuss what happened, but for now- you will give them the time they desire. This might require you to leave your shared home for a few hours or do you own thing until it all blows over.

Start a conversation- They may be resistant at first- but not talking about what has made your partner angry might breed resentment so it may help to get it out there in the open. This will give you chance to apologise and find ways to stop the issue arising again.

Make your partner laugh- Nothing breaks tension like well placed 'in-joke'. This might encourage them to open up more and talk to you about what was bothering them at the time. Proceed with caution, as this could backfire if they think you are making fun of them and not taking their side of the story seriously.

Listen to what led to this moment- Give them time to let their feelings be heard. You may not agree or perhaps you didn't even realise what you said or did would spark such a reaction but it did nevertheless- so find out why.


by for relationships.femalefirst.co.uk
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