“How can I improve communication in my relationship?”

Claude’s Response (150 words):

“Listen to understand, not to respond. Give full attention. Reflect back what you hear before offering your perspective. People open up when they feel genuinely heard.

Name emotions, not just events. "I felt dismissed" lands differently than "You never listen." Speak from your experience rather than diagnosing your partner's intentions.

Timing matters. Difficult conversations go better when you're both rested, calm, and not rushed. It's okay to say "I want to talk about this, but can we find a better moment?"

Ask curious questions. When something bothers you, get genuinely curious about their perspective before defending yours. You might be missing context.

Repair quickly. All couples have conflict. What distinguishes healthy relationships is how fast you reconnect afterward. A small gesture of goodwill breaks the tension.

Check your story. We often fill gaps with negative assumptions. Verify before reacting—"The story I'm telling myself is... Is that accurate?"

Create rituals of connection. Daily check-ins, even brief ones, prevent small issues from compounding into resentment.