Lastly, when it comes to listening to your partner, do so with open ears and a nonjudgmental heart. Compassion and active listening are the goals here, so don’t worry about how you’re going to respond, what you think your partner “should” do, or getting caught up on an inconsequential difference in POV.

As the study authors write, when your partner can disclose some of their negative emotions to you, it indicates trust and a desire to connect, which further boosts feelings of closeness and trust between both of you. Even as the listener, the study authors say, “[Receptive listening] ultimately enhances the listener’s perception of their relationship satisfaction.”