The decision to get engaged can be a huge step in your relationship. Though this is a special time, studies suggest that planning a wedding can make couples feel stressed and disconnected. One way to avoid this is by practicing techniques to develop better communication with your partner. Look over these tips and learn how you can engage with your significant other in a way that is both meaningful and insightful. 

Make Space for Each Other

Though the main focus of your wedding is supposed to be the love you share with your partner, you may find yourself lost in the details of your big day. If all the time you spend together is dedicated to selecting floral arrangements and creating seating charts, you may be neglecting the main reason you decided to get engaged. You should make space for each other in a significant way. Dedicate time each week to nurturing your relationship. This might mean going out for a date night or sitting down and discussing anything other than your wedding plans. 

Write Out Your Feelings

All couples experience tension at one point or another. Since you’re more likely to feel stressed while planning your wedding, try to be considerate of how you express your frustration. Instead of taking out your annoyance on your partner, sit down with a notebook and write out your feelings. Taking this extra step can help you get to the bottom of why you are feeling overwhelmed. If your writing uncovers that you’re feeling upset because of your partner, find time to approach the topic together when you are more calm and collected. 

Pay Attention to Body Language

Not all people express themselves verbally. If you’re engaged to someone who tends to keep emotions and thoughts on the inside, you should pay attention to their body language. When your partner looks tense or withdrawn, it could be a good time to start a conversation about what their experiencing. Failing to notice how your significant other is acting can lead to resentment or frustration. Though it isn’t your responsibility to know what your partner is thinking at all times, it can be helpful to focus on behaviors and take the first step.

Be an Active Listener

Listening is a skill that many people lack without realizing it. Though you might hear what someone is saying to you during a conversation, you may have too much on your mind to really register what is being expressed. When you’re having important dialogues with your partner, you should be an active listener. This means paying attention to what your partner is telling you and allowing it to sink in. It can also be useful to ask whether your partner wants your input on a matter. Sometimes they are simply trying to vent frustration and don’t need outside input. 

Avoid Saying Things You’ll Regret

No matter how calm you might feel when starting a conversation, an interaction can easily devolve into a fight when someone feels triggered or cornered. If a dialogue gets heated, avoid saying anything you may regret later. Don’t bring up past mistakes or rattle off a list of your partner’s flaws. These topics can easily leave wounds that last a long while. Try to speak from your own perspective. Instead of saying “you always do this,” try “I feel this way when you do that.” 

Planning a wedding can easily bring out some intense emotions in couples. While you might not be able to avoid every conflict, you can do your best to navigate fights or heated conversations when they arise. With practice you can develop better communication with your partner that will strengthen your relationship. Remember why you’re taking this journey together in the first place, and communicate from a place of love and respect.