In the history of the world, begging a partner to stay in a relationship has never ended in a good result. Even if — after all your pleading — your partner agrees to hang out in the relationship a while longer, it’s only a matter of time before he’ll grow tired of the charade. Not only that, but begging is demoralizing. There’s no dignity in it. And sometimes, when a relationship is crumbling, self-respect is all you’ve got left.

Tears and threats won’t move your partner — at least not in any permanent fashion — so save your energy for tactics that will make a difference. 

Psychotherapist and relationship specialist Abby Rodman offers six conversation starters that just may tilt the relationship — and your partner — back toward togetherness.