No one wants to hear criticism. Yet getting feedback is necessary in all relationships. If your partner needs to share their feelings about the way you interact – like it or not – you'll have to hear them out.

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We know it's hard. In fact, giving and getting feedback can feel like you're waging war. Yet it doesn't have to be that way.

"Realize that the other person is not out to hurt you," says Robert Markman, a clinical psychologist in Morganton, North Carolina. "The feedback is coming from a friend, not an enemy."

To receive feedback effectively, one must first learn how to listen. Sharpening your listening skills can reduce potential conflict and avoid misunderstandings.

"Anything a person says can be taken 40 different ways," Markman says.

By hearing what the other person has to say, you stand a better chance of understanding the issue. This thoughtful approach opens the conversation to an exchange of views.

It'll also help the giver and the receiver agree on a plan of action. Later, revisit the plan to make sure the issue has been resolved.

When you sit down to discuss the feedback, keep these pointers in mind:

• Ask open-ended questions. Questions that begin with the words "tell me," "how do," or "why" encourage the other person to be specific. Also, they lessen the chance of your partner shutting down.
• Avoid being emotional. Allow yourself to remain calm and thoughtful. Think before you respond, otherwise you risk being rash.
• Summarize what they are saying. A review of the feedback will clarify their view, as well as help you understand what they are saying.
• Ask to receive your feedback in private. The issue is between you and the other person; the whole world does not need to listen.
• Seek regular feedback. If feedback is given often, communication will be continuous. This approach leaves less room for surprises. Receiving feedback may also call for negotiation skills. You may not agree with your partner; in fact you may see everything quite differently.
• Avoid being aggressive, sarcastic or confrontational. These behaviors breed opposition. In fact, show empathy to the feedback giver, because it isn't easy from their position either.
• Find agreement. Point out the areas where you agree with the other person. This will generate a feeling of cooperation.
• Don't be rigid and attached to your point of view. Being open-minded to different outcomes is far more productive.
• Don't fall into the "defend and attack" trap:

  Bill: "You need to be less rigid."
  Jane: "You're the one who's inflexible."
  Bill: "I am not."

  Instead, ask an open-ended question:
  Bill: "You need to be less rigid."
  Jane: "Tell me why you're not happy with my decision."

Remember all couples can't help but point fingers at each other. So it's important to step back and take a personal accounting. When there is an issue, understand and work on yourself first.

Once this happens, you'll find that there will be much less finger-pointing and much more cooperation.

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