

2569: Love Smarter by Learning When to Take a Break by Kerry Lusignan of Gottman on How to Improve Intimacy
Apr 27, 2025
Learn the transformative power of taking breaks during conflicts in relationships. Discover strategies to calm down and gain perspective, enhancing emotional resilience with your partner. Find out why reconnecting after a timeout is essential for deepening intimacy and resolving disagreements. This insightful guide emphasizes effective communication techniques to navigate conflicts, ensuring that time apart leads to a healthier, more centered relationship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Master Conflict Break Timing
- Learn to take breaks during conflicts to calm down and gain perspective before resuming discussions.
- Avoid shutting down conversations prematurely and listen non-defensively to find reasonable parts of complaints.
Timeouts Can Backfire
- Self-righteous indignation can turn timeouts into additional wounds instead of healing moments.
- Negative rumination or venting during breaks widens the emotional distance between partners.
Use Breaks to Reset Emotions
- Use conflict breaks to intentionally stop negative thoughts about your partner.
- Engage in unrelated activities and allow yourself to release anger and fear during breaks.