You might think icebreakers are only for awkward team building exercises at work or networking events, and cringe at having to come up with a fun fact about yourself. You and your spouse already know each other, why do you need icebreakers?

Well, you know those times after a negative interaction or argument, when you walk away with things unresolved. Tension lingers between you. The vibe feels cold, strained, or just “off.” Maybe you’re not actually still mad at each other or fighting – there’s just a sense of uncomfortable distance or silence between you. You might both be wondering if the other person is still angry or struggle with being the first person to “give in.”

It’s tempting to just deal with this dynamic and let things get back to normal in time. You can’t stay cold toward each other forever, right? On the surface, it might seem like all is forgotten, and everything is fine. However, when things are never fully repaired between you, resentment can fester, ultimately eroding your emotional connection and damaging your relationship. The alternative, of course, is to be proactive about breaking that ice between you, so that you feel closer after a fight instead of the opposite. The problem is, it’s not always easy. It’s hard to know what to say, and sometimes our own pride and human tendencies can get in the way. That’s where these tips can help. Read More