Communicate your emotions with your partner more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining a healthy marriage<\/a> comes down to effective communication. And when both partners in a marriage<\/a> are emotionally intelligent, it establishes strong communication that strengthens a relationship<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what exactly is emotional intelligence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEmotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to emotions, both your own and your partner\u2019s, with empathy and intention,\u201d Marisa Ronquillo<\/a>, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Sacramento, California, and founder of Insightful Roots Therapy, tells Upworthy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For married couples, emotional intelligence is key to connecting with one another when issues arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn marriage, it\u2019s what turns conflict into connection,\u201d adds Ronquillo. \u201cWhen partners can name what they feel without blame and listen without defensiveness, it creates psychological safety, which is the foundation of intimacy and trust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are eight emotionally intelligent phrases married couples can use to help strengthen their relationship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saying this to your partner will validate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis phrase includes two key skills of emotional intelligence\u2014empathy and validation\u2014and allows for a difference of opinion in an understanding way,\u201d Danielle Dellaquila<\/a>, a therapist and licensed social worker at Gateway to Solutions, tells Upworthy<\/em>. \u201cUsing this phrase, a partner recognizes and validates their partner\u2019s emotions, helping the partner feel heard and understood. Even if the couple does not agree on the topic at hand, a response like this allows you to recognize what your partner is feeling without being dismissive or defensive. It helps to strengthen a marriage because effective conversation can come from a statement like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your partner will feel like you\u2019re united and on the same team by saying this phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis phrase expresses vulnerability and a clear signal about need, while inviting both partners to work together on the solution,\u201d Danielle Sethi,<\/a> a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida, tells Upworthy<\/em>. \u201cInstead of framing the other as the problem, we frame problems as separate from us which allows us to work through them together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This phrase creates a platform for your partner to open up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI understand why you would feel that way and I recognize your perspective.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI need your support with [specific need]. Can we work on this together?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to understand the part of you that feels that way.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n