How to Feel Less Frustrated with Your Partner

Have you been going through a rough patch with your partner lately, but you’re determined to work it out and stick together? 

Sometimes, we become frustrated with our partners over little things. Deep down, we might know that it would be easier to take a deep breath and let the problem go—but we still take that anger out on them. Patience may not come easily, but it’s worth the effort.

Putting conflict resolution strategies into play can feel a little uncomfortable at first. It’s true that you likely can’t solve your problems overnight. But it’s possible to quell your frustrations toward your partner and begin working to find real solutions. 

Cool Down

Trying to problem-solve when you’re both feeling upset because of a heated argument is not going to help matters. Instead, take a little time to yourself. Maybe the two of you have been bickering over something for hours, and you feel like you’re coming up against a wall. 

Instead of dragging out the argument, walk away for a little while and spend some time alone. Come back to the conversation when you have a clear head. 

Pick Your Battles

Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. You have to be honest with yourself about the flaws and habits that you can accept in a relationship. No one is perfect, and we are all going to make mistakes at some point—that includes both you and your partner. 

What can you forgive and forget? Is there anything you know you just can’t live with? The answers to these questions will determine whether or not you two will be able to move past the problem. 

Understand Their Point of View

Sometimes, you need to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. It’s not always easy to set aside your pride and admit that your partner might have a point, especially when you’re angry at them. However, both of you will have to be mature enough to do this before the conflict spirals out of control. 

Try to see the situation from your partner’s point of view. You may feel very frustrated with your partner, but you need to make an honest effort to understand why they feel the way they do. 

Keep Your Expectations Realistic

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. But sometimes, we can put very high expectations on our partners—expectations that would be impossible for anyone to reach. 

When you’re frustrated with your partner, consider whether or not they’ve really done something to hurt you, or if your standards are so high that no one could meet them. 

Are you holding them accountable for something that wasn’t really their fault? Are they confused about what they did wrong because they didn’t understand your expectations? 

Try Couples Counseling

Some people think that couples counseling is the step that you should take when all else has failed. But you don’t have to wait that long to give it a try. If you find yourself getting frustrated with your partner more often than not, attending a few counseling sessions together might help you get to the root of the problem and figure out what’s really bothering you. 

Opening up to a therapist might seem a little scary, but no matter what issue you’re dealing with, they’ve seen it before. And the sooner you commit to tackling the problem, the better. You don’t have to delay to talk to a therapist. 

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Wondering if couples counseling will help you and your partner improve your conflict resolution skills? Contact us today to discuss the types of therapy that might benefit your relationship.