We all have weird pet peeves that our partner's seem to always break the 'rules' on. Chewing too loud, not squeezing the toothpaste out of the tube correctly, leaving dirty clothes on the floor....the list goes on. These little things can create conflict in a relationship, especially over time. Listen to today's show to learn how to communicate with your partner, and not let small things annoy you.

In this episode we discuss relationship advice topics that include:

• How to step back and ask ourselves why we're having little fights, and what's really going on underneath.
• Why every communication is a negotiation with our partner that we must understand.
• The importance of active listening and validation in communication with your partner.
• How to deescalate an argument so that it can be more productive for your relationship.
• Decompressing to help manage communication when you or your partner is stressed.
• And much more!

David Ludden is a professor of psychology at Georgia Gwinnett College in Altanta. He is the author of the textbook "The Psychology of Language: An Integrated Approach." His also maintains the blog "Talking Apes" on the "Psychology Today" website. Much of his writing focuses on the role of communication in building and maintaining relationships.

Full show notes and episode links at: http://idopodcast.com/135

Sign up for our 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge here: 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge

Do you want to hear more on this topic? Are you or your partner becoming irritated with each other because of annoying behaviors? If so, you're not alone. Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group here: Love Tribe

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