1 of 15

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Every relationship goes through it: The two of you started arguing one day and it seems like you haven’t stopped. Setting the other person off is as easy as chewing too loudly. Suddenly everything gets on your nerves, you can’t remember the last time you had sex and things are looking bad.

But a bad relationship patch doesn’t have to mean the end. The trick is to choose the relationship over the fight. It’s sometimes easier said than done, but here are some surprisingly effective ways to do it.

Do you have a go-to move to set things right when you get into it with your partner? Share your techniques in the comment section.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Give Each Other Space

Take the dog for a walk, or take a long bath — whatever you need to do to give each other space after a long day of work. It’s tempting to want to get right to venting about the workday, but a slight misunderstanding can lead to an unnecessary argument. A little space to miss each other — even 30 minutes — can go a long way.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Cook More

Or order in. It’s tempting to let him fend for himself during a rough patch in a relationship, but you would be surprised at how many arguments start back up just because you’re hungry. It’s one of the best ways to keep the peace (and keep everyone taken care of).

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Take a Break

Instead of letting the argument take over, agree to put it on pause. Go out on a date where you can’t bring up the issue. Watch a movie, play miniature golf, do something where you can enjoy each other’s company. You might come up with a solution where you’re reminded why it’s worth it to sometimes agree to disagree and drop the argument altogether.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Get Competitive

When the argument is going nowhere and no one wants to apologize, it might be time to duke it out. Play a game of tennis, Spades or Mario Kart and decide that whomever wins gets to win the argument. You can table it without having to decide who is right and who is wrong, and you get to spend some quality time together doing something fun.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Swap Making Up for Staying Mad

Every relationship has an issue (or two) that is hard for one partner to move past. Instead of staying mad until you work through it, come up with something the other party can do to make you feel better about it. Whether it’s a romantic trip or a pint of ice cream after work, a gesture can can make all the difference.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Figure Out Why You’re Really Mad

Fussing about him leaving clothes on the floor? It might not be that (because he’s been doing that for years). There are likely bigger issues impacting your relationship. Figure out what your feelings are really about and get to the root of the problem.