How To Fix A Relationship After A Fight And Move Forward

Updated March 26, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

In relationships, fights are commonplace, and you shouldn't be too concerned if you have one here or there. However, some fights can leave both partners feeling less at ease and may make them nervous that more serious complications from within the relationship. Couples will also need to consider what the fights are about, what these fights mean, and the outcome of these fights to see how and if to move the relationship forward.

For example, let's imagine that you are a couple who fights on occasion or may have minor arguments regarding certain things within your serious relationship. However, you and your partner generally don't have any issues stemming from your fights because you are properly able to take care of whatever the issues may be; the argument itself isn't truly an issue on its own but is just part of the healing process as you and your partner work through any issues that do come up and figure out a solution. An argument doesn't necessarily indicate a problem or cause a problem unless nothing comes after the argument. Still, they may have you worried, and there are things that you can do to limit their appearances.

On the other hand, some are fighting and constantly doing so but never actually care about the underlying problems lying behind these conflicts that may have been established early in the relationship. When this happens, the argument does become the issue because nothing is being solved, and the anger and other motions that are igniting the fight become the common emotions that the couple feels as they continue to fight about the same thing and never get to the root of the issue of the problem that is starting the fight. When this happens, couples may not know what to do and will view this constant fighting as a major problem within their relationship. In this case, (when compared to the previous situation), this can be an issue that needs attention immediately and will require a little bit of extra work from both you and your partner.

Either way, you have managed to come to this article, which means you and your partner just have fought one way or another. Perhaps it was a little one that came up randomly while making plans. Perhaps it was a big one that was rather new to you about not having similar values. Perhaps it was the first fight you've really had as a couple. Perhaps you are best friends but you seem to do nothing but fight nowadays, you're never on the same page anymore. Whichever situation may be the case for you and your partner, you will want to know how to repair a relationship after a fight because it's not always easy. The truth is that if you follow the right steps, you can get started on fixing things a whole lot faster than you might think, and that can improve your relationship. Let's look at some helpful tips that will guide you through this process post-argument.

How to fix a relationship after a fight

Getty Images
Confused about how to fix a relationship after a fight (and move forward)?

#1 Blow off steam

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you can calmly discuss whatever you were fighting about. If you come into a conversation with your partner with negative emotions and that strong urge to continue where you left off, it is almost guaranteed that you are going to start another fight rather than engage in a helpful conversation, which can produce negative results that will only build upon the existing problems. To properly prepare for such a conversation, this may mean that you need to walk away for a minute to calm down and get to a state where you can be rational and relaxed. Please take a few breaths, compose yourself, think about some things that relax you, and come back when you're ready to speak with your partner about the argument and the problem behind it. You will be able to communicate much more effectively if you are not angry or defensive.

#2 Tell your partner how you feel

Although there is communication going on when you are arguing with your partner, the problem is that this communication doesn't actually solve any problems as we are often fighting with the intent to place blame on the other person, to upset them, or hurt them. Instead, sit them down and practice open communication where you tell your partner what you're thinking and how you feel when they do whatever they did to make you angry. Tell them why this bothers you and what you would rather they do instead, and make sure to position each of your statements around your feelings rather than around their actions. After all, it tends to be the reaction to issues causing the problem rather than the issue itself. (This is not always the case, and you can feel free to address major problems as well.) It's important to be honest, and open with your partner regarding your relationship and the things that you're experiencing at this point.

#3 Listen to your partner

Getty/Halfpoint Images

Once you've had a chance to explain what you think and feel, it's time to let your partner do the same. Let them talk about why they do whatever they do and what they think or feel about it, and your potential solution for the problem. Often we tend to think that we're right in each fight we're having, and that's why arguments only lead to more issues. There are no winners or losers in a fight, and we must realize that a relationship is a group effort that requires both partners to be in harmony and understand and care about each other's feelings. Don't take this approach if you are seeking a long, healthy relationship. Instead, realize that your partner may feel negative about the situation and understand that there are things that you can do as well to make sure that the problem is solved. Compromise is necessary, and when you and your partner work together, it is possible to fix whatever issues have managed to come up in the relationship.

#4 Stay focused

If you and your partner have a history of fighting, the likelihood that there are plenty of issues lying at the source of these arguments. When this happens, and you choose to talk about them, you experience the added difficulty of avoiding bringing other arguments into the conversation. However, this can do more harm than good, and you want to make sure that you are only tackling the issues at the heart of your argument now. Make sure that you and your partner stay focused on only one issue at a time. If you start jumping around to several different issues all at once, it can result in another fight, and that's not something either of you wants. By staying focused and sticking to one thing, you can resolve the issue and then move on to the next problem when you need to. Sticking to this model will make it easier to problem solve both now and in the future.

#5 Discuss the solution

As we stated in the introduction, some couples argue and continue to experience their increased arguments' snowball effects. Then some couples solve their problems and can recover from their fights each time. Conflict always has a solution. If you want to maintain your relationship and keep it healthy, it is necessary to find that solution and resolve your arguments as quickly as you can. Sit down with your partner and take a look at your current issue. What can you do to make you and your partner happy? What is the main problem behind the argument, and what can you or your partner do to change this behavior or actions? How can you make this happen as soon as possible and ensure that this behavior is kept up? You want to make sure that you discuss these options and actively consider any other alternatives and list them down so that you can move onto those if some of your initial plans don't work. Work out a compromise or a choice on how you're going to resolve the issue this time and how you're going to keep it from becoming an issue in the future. After all, continuous arguments will only lead to added tension that could burst and ruin a relationship.

#6 Agree on a result

One issue that may come up for some couples is finding a resolution, but both partners may not necessarily be happy with the outcome. However, one partner will stay quiet to keep the other partner happy. Although this may seem like a kind thing for your partner to do, it only makes it easier for them to become resentful and angry and start more arguments in the future or create additional issues that alter the state of your relationship. Ensure that you both agree to whatever result is when you finally conclude what you can do for your relationship. If you can't be happy with that result, then it's not going to be good for you and your partner, and you need to consider a solution that works for both of you. The same goes for your partner, and if either of you isn't going to be happy, it will result in more arguments in the future. Keep discussing until you conclude.

Getting your help

Getty/jeffbergen
Confused about how to fix a relationship after a fight (and move forward)?

If you and your partner seem to fight too much or don't seem to have the skills to resolve the arguments after a fight, you might want to seek professional help to learn the skills necessary to follow through on the tips above. Healthy relationships ensure that each person's own happiness is taken into account. Get started on working on repairing your relationship today and watch it thrive!

For Additional Help & Support With Your ConcernsThis website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet Started
This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.