relationship-skills

# Relationship Skills Build stronger connections with practical communication, conflict resolution, and intentional connection ideas. ## What it does - **Communication Tools** - Framework for clearer, more honest conversations - **Conflict Resolution** - De-escalation techniques and structured problem-solving - **Date Ideas** - Curated suggestions based on preferences and location - **Relationship Health Tracking** - Check-in prompts and pattern detection - **Connection Builder** - Personalized ideas for deepening bonds ## Usage ### Communication Help Ask for frameworks to improve conversations: - "Help me bring up a difficult topic" - "How do I express my feelings without getting defensive?" - "I need language to ask for what I need" ### Resolve Conflict Navigate disagreements with structure: - "We're stuck in the same argument" - "How do I address this without blame?" - "Give me a conflict resolution framework" ### Date Ideas Get personalized suggestions: - "What can we do this weekend on a budget?" - "Suggest something we've never tried" - "I want to surprise them with something meaningful" ### Check-in Prompts Deepen connection with intentional questions: - "Give me conversation starters for tonight" - "What should we talk about to reconnect?" - "Questions to understand each other better" ### Track Patterns Identify what's working and what isn't: - "What topics come up repeatedly?" - "When do we connect best?" - "What's improved since last month?" ## Communication Tools ### I-Statements Frame observations without blame: - **Pattern:** "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [impact]" - **Example:** "I feel disconnected when we're both on phones because I miss talking with you" - **Avoids:** "You never listen to me" → "I need more of your attention" ### Active Listening Signal understanding and create safety: - Reflect back: "What I hear is..." - Validate: "That makes sense because..." - Clarify: "Do you mean...?" - Pause response urges—just listen first ### Needs Expression Get clear on what actually matters: - Name the need, not the demand: "I need to feel valued" (not "Do what I say") - Be specific: "I need 20 minutes of your full attention" (not "spend more time together") - Connect to why: "...because it helps me feel secure" ### Boundary Setting Protect the relationship by protecting yourself: - Clear: "I can't discuss this when I'm tired" - Non-negotiable: "I need time alone to recharge" - Collaborative: "Can we talk about this after work?" - Consequences: "If we keep going, I'll need to step away" ## Tips 1. **Timing matters** - Don't resolve conflict when either person is hungry, tired, or triggered. Schedule hard conversations. 2. **Curiosity over certainty** - Ask questions before making assumptions. "Help me understand..." opens doors more than statements. 3. **Small, frequent connections beat grand gestures** - 5 minutes of presence daily matters more than an occasional date night. 4. **Repair quickly** - Conflicts are normal; getting stuck in them isn't. Apologize without conditions, acknowledge their experience, move forward. 5. **All data stays local on your machine** - Your relationship history, preferences, and check-ins never leave your device. Privacy protected.