Don't Force an Issue When You Don't Have the Time or Energy to Discuss it

There are times when arguing with your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse should simply wait for another day or time. When it's late or when you’re exhausted and already in a bad mood is one of those times when it makes more sense to hold off on discussing anything important until you feel more alert and able to comprehend everything. More than likely if you do decide to continue with the discussion, you will have an evening full of nothing but frustration.

Be honest with your partner when you are not in a place to have an important discussion. A positive way to communicate this is to say something like, "I really want to talk to you about this and work through it, but right now I’m exhausted and will probably not be able to deal with things very well. Could we continue this in the morning?"

When you show that you are sincere about wanting to resolve the conflict, then your partner will most likely agree to postpone the discussion. After you have decided to hold off on your talk for now, make it a priority to find a time to work on it again. Ideally, it should be a time when you are both alert and will not be disturbed by friends, the telephone or other distractions.

Once there is a time selected to have a discussion with your partner, stick to it. With a little effort and discipline, your conflict will be successfully resolved and your relationship will be better for it.