How to Transform Any Conflict Into Connection

"If there are these conflicts over and over and over again that do not lead to any kind of connection or resolution, they really will tank a relationship," she says. "You cannot demand that your partner be more empathic or more validating ... You can only choose to be more loving and empathic and responsive to them." The key is empathy -- understanding how your partner is feeling; validation: communicating the legitimacy of their feelings; responsiveness: showing them you understand by modifying your behaviors.