Conflict in a relationship is inevitable -- we all have different wants and needs.

Naturally, these different

wants and needs make it so that we don’t always see eye-to-eye. In our worst moments, even minor
miscommunications can trigger full-blown fights.

But the thing about fighting is that – as frustrating as it may feel when it's actually happening – if
handled in healthy and appropriate ways, the resolution can actually bring you closer in your
relationship. In fact, learning to navigate the post-fight process can set you up to bounce back even
stronger than ever.

and it risks further harm to your relationship. So when the time is right, consider offering an apology (or
an "olive branch," so to speak).

Note that being the first to apologize doesn’t mean that you’re taking sole responsibility for the
argument. Rather, an apology is acknowledging that you have both been hurt; yet you still care and are
there for your partner; and you do want to heal from the argument.

You can extend the olive branch with:

A verbal apology about the fight itself (“I’m sorry I misunderstood what you meant” or “I’m sorry I
brought [topic] up in our fight”)

A physical nudge of warmth, like a hug

A small, but encouraging, invitation to talk, like handing your partner their favorite snack

Doing so can thaw the tension and set you up for a more productive recovery conversation.