Are you in the doghouse? Do you even know if you are in the doghouse? Let’s be honest. Sometimes it is too easy to miss a signal or a moment of frustration from our Nagging partner. Though they may believe that they are acting completely transparent and obvious, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are on the same wavelength. Instead, moments and signals fly, like poorly timed jokes, right over our heads. That definitely doesn’t help the situation.
How to Identify a Nagging Partner
The first step is to know when there even is an issue to address. It may seem easy, but if it was easy then advice articles like these wouldn’t be needed. Here are a few tips to know when you are in the proverbial doghouse.
- Listen to the tone of your partner’s voice
- Watch their body language as they do common or normal activities
- See if they look at you or around you and watch for smiles
- Ask them about how they are doing
Know What You Are Watching For
Sometimes all it takes is to hear them talk to you. Other moments, particularly if they aren’t speaking to you, it takes watching their body language. You should know what is normal and what isn’t. The important part of this activity is that you need to be honest with yourself. If something feels off, then most likely there definitely is something wrong. Most likely partners feel out of control in the relationship or in their lives and need help in some way.
If You Can’t Tell Then Just Ask
If you just can’t tell, then you need to be proactive about the situation if you are looking for resolution. Nothing will change if no one acts. It will only fester and get worse. Your partner may be nagging by asking for things twice or feeling helpless. You want to know so that you can help them and help the relationship.
Tips to Fix the Situation
Don’t expect the situation to resolve itself over time. Even if your partner moves on, it doesn’t mean that the problem won’t come up again. Further, if you let it pass and come up again, the nagging is only going to get worse. Instead, you need to attach the problem head on and with a proactive stance. It may be emotionally hard, but it will create a stronger and longer lasting relationship bond. Here are the major steps you need to take to fix that nagging partner.
- Listen First and Talk Second
- Watch Your Words and Breath Before Responding
- Don’t Read Minds, Always Ask Before Making an Assumption
- View the Issue from Their Eyes and Perspective
- Understand that the Argument Isn’t as Important as the Relationship
- Take Responsibility for Your Role in the Relationship
- Focus on Making Agreements and Joint Decisions Instead of Divisions
To fully move forward from moments of nagging, you need to listen. This doesn’t just mean opening your ears, but rather you need to really listen. If you don’t understand something, then ask a clarifying question. Listening can lead to questions which can help understanding. A partnership is all about understanding, trust, an no doghouse.