Being a great listener - Understanding must precede advice!

When we allow our partner to vent, it is crucial that our partner feels heard and valued.  Before we offer advice, we need to be sure that our partner feels heard.  

• See this article on empathy in stress reducing conversations from the Gottman Institute

• Check out the "great listening" card deck in the Gottman Card Decks app for questions that you can ask your partner during a stress reducing conversation to help you deepen your understanding of your partner's experience ,