Respect Each Other's Thoughts and Feelings
Remember that your partner is trusting you with his or her feelings, so it’s important that you listen to and respect what you’re hearing. A sure way to get someone upset with you is to tell the person that his or her feelings are ridiculous or that they are not valid, or that the person should think differently.
Additional conflict can easily be avoided by just keeping an ear open to what is being said.
Validation is one of the keys to a successful relationship. As your partner is talking, it's important to just listen and validate what is being said. Try not to argue with your partner about facts or try to justify or explain your actions. Simply remain quiet, listen and provide respectful feedback when appropriate.
Do not tell your partner how they feel or what they should do. No one likes this! Let the other person tell you these things in his or her own way. It is very frustrating to have your partner interject a conclusion when you are trying to make a point.
Language is very powerful. The words we choose can make the difference between positive, constructive conversations that result in enhanced relationships, or verbal competitions that often lead to misunderstanding and emotional distance.