Difficult Topics Framework

The check-in's greatest value is giving difficult conversations a safe container. Without a set time, hard topics either get avoided or erupt during already-tense moments.

For a sensitive issue, lead with what is working, name the concern in "I feel" terms, then ask your partner's view before settling on a fix.

The check-in is maintenance, not therapy. Keep it focused: if a topic needs more than a few minutes, schedule a separate conversation. The goal is to surface issues early, not to solve everything in one sitting.