In the midst of a disagreement, life’s responsibilities can sometimes interrupt, whether it’s time to go to sleep, take care of the kids, or head to work. When this happens, it’s important to agree to “shelf” the issue temporarily and commit to revisiting it later. Shelving an issue doesn’t mean ignoring it; it means acknowledging that the conversation is important and deserves your full attention at a more convenient time, very soon thereafter.

During the time that the issue is shelved, continue to be loving to each other. The issue should not create a barrier between you; instead, see it as the two of you against the problem. Remember, you are still a loving team. The issue is something you need to resolve together.

When you return to the issue, do so with a fresh mindset and a calm demeanor. This ensures that both of you are in a better place to communicate effectively and understand each other’s perspectives. Handling disagreements with care and continuity strengthens your relationship, demonstrating that you are committed to working through challenges as a united front.