After a tense argument, one of our readers heard her husband whisper something that deeply hurt her. The next day, he brushed it off with an explanation, but it didn’t ease her pain. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some suggestions to help navigate the situation.

First, ask your partner to clarify their feelings. Instead of focusing on the specific words they said, try to understand their overall emotions about the relationship. Ask how they’re feeling in the marriage and if anything has been bothering them lately.

Next, reflect on patterns in your relationship. If this incident feels like a one-time issue from a heated argument, it may pass. However, if you’ve felt disconnected or hurt before, it could signal a deeper communication issue that needs addressing.

Lastly, give yourself space. It’s okay to step back and process your emotions before making any decisions. Taking some time to reflect can help clear your thoughts and gain perspective, especially after a stressful or emotional argument.