Ingenious Ways to Complain to Your Parner Without Alienating Them
Nobody’s perfect, and we all know that sometimes things just don’t go our way. When we’re feeling upset or frustrated, it can be tough to hold back the complaints. However, if you’re not careful, complaining to your partner can actually have the opposite of the desired effect and end up driving a wedge between you.
1 Keep a Polite Tone
When you are feeling upset, it can be easy to let your emotions get the best of you and lash out in anger. However, this will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to keep a polite tone when discussing your concerns with your partner. This doesn’t mean that you have to bottle up your feelings; just remember to express them in a way that isn’t going to cause an argument.
2 Be Specific
When you’re complaining to your partner, it’s important to be specific about what is bothering you. This will help them understand your perspective and figure out a solution. For example, instead of saying “you never listen to me,” try “I feel like I’m not being heard when we discuss important topics.”
3 Don’t Make It Personal
When you’re upset, it can be tempting to make your complaint personal and attack your partner. However, this will only make them defensive and less likely to listen to what you have to say. Instead, focus on the issue at hand and avoid making it a character attack.
4 Be Willing to Compromise
Nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a complaint, so it’s important to remember that your partner is likely feeling just as frustrated as you are. In order to come to a resolution, you’ll need to be willing to compromise. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up on everything, but be open to hearing your partner’s perspective and finding a middle ground that works for both of you.
5 Be Transparent About Your Feelings
Your partner can’t read your mind, so it’s important to be transparent about how you’re feeling. This way, they can understand where you’re coming from and why you’re upset. When you’re honest about your emotions, it will be easier for them to empathize with you and find a way to help.
6 Discuss Issues When You Are Both Calm
When you’re feeling angry or frustrated, it’s best to wait until you’ve both had a chance to calm down before bringing up the issue. This way, you can have a productive conversation without any raised voices or hurt feelings. Once you’ve had time to cool off, sit down with your partner and calmly explain what is bothering you.
7 Recognize Your Partner’s Efforts
Even if your partner doesn’t immediately fix the problem, it’s important to recognize their efforts. This will show them that you appreciate their attempts to make things better and encourage them to keep trying. Thanking them for their efforts will also help build a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
8 Offer Solutions That Would Work for Both of You
If you want your partner to take your complaint seriously, it’s important to offer a solution that would work for both of you. This shows that you’re not just complaining for the sake of it and that you’re actually willing to put in the work to find a resolution. For example, if you’re upset about the state of your relationship, suggest going to couples therapy or taking a break to work on yourselves.
9 Don’t Make Them Feel Like They Are Being Attacked
It’s important to avoid making your partner feel like they are being attacked. This means using “I” statements instead of “you” statements. For example, instead of saying “you’re always putting work before me,” try “I feel neglected when work takes up all of your time.”
10 Be Willing to Listen
Of course, it’s not just about you. In order to have a productive conversation, you also need to be willing to listen to your partner. This means hearing them out and trying to see things from their perspective. Only then can you find a solution that works for both of you. By taking the time to understand each other, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict.
The key to complaining effectively is to do it in a way that doesn’t alienate your partner. So next time you’re feeling upset, remember to keep a polite tone, be specific about your concerns, and offer a solution that would work for both of you. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at complaint-free communication in no time!
Josh Dudick
Josh is the owner and lead writer at Daily Wisely. His career has taken him from finance to blogging, and now shares his insights with readers of Daily Wisely.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh has over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, and currently shares his financial expertise in investing, wealth management, markets, taxes, real estate, and personal finance on his other website, Top Dollar Investor.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.