5 Easy Ways To Quit 'Kitchen Sinking' For A Revitalized Relationship

Here's five simple ways for you and your partner to keep your relationship present and future focused.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | April 19, 2024

Kitchen sinking refers to the tendency for partners to bring up a list of past grievances and unrelated issues during arguments, diverting attention from the current topic of discussion. This cluttered mix of complaints, criticisms and unresolved issues make it difficult to address the original concern effectively.

This communication pattern is detrimental to relationships because it muddles the core issue, leading to confusion and emotional overwhelm. By inundating discussions with past grievances, partners may feel invalidated or attacked, hindering open and constructive dialogue.

Consequently, kitchen sinking can escalate conflict and erode trust and intimacy, fostering an atmosphere of defensiveness and misunderstanding rather than promoting resolution and mutual respect in relationships.

Here are five ways to stop "kitchen sinking" your partner and work through conflict healthily.

1. Be Intentional

Before engaging in important discussions, decide on the specific issue you want to address and remain mindful of where the conversation is going. Bring yourself back to the present when you catch yourself recollecting different negative instances or feeling the need to bring them up. Avoid blaming, criticizing and using aggressive language or tone to assert dominance or control.

To communicate thoughtfully, use "I" statements to express your concern, such as "I felt hurt when you didn't return my calls yesterday. Can we talk about what happened?" rather than "you" statements that are inherently blaming, such as "you never return my calls, it's like you don't care about my feelings at all."

Ask yourself what would be truly helpful to you and your partner in the moment rather than letting your emotions decide for you.

Additionally, practice intentional, empathetic and cooperative communication to solve problems by expressing your thoughts clearly and listening attentively to your partner's perspective without interrupting or formulating immediate responses. Validate their feelings to demonstrate empathy and encourage open communication to pave the way for truly productive and loving dialogue.

2. Practice Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation involves recognizing emotions without judgment or suppression, identifying personal triggers and employing strategies to cope with stress, challenges or interpersonal interactions constructively.

Emotional regulation is key to avoiding kitchen sinking as it can help you slow down and focus on the present concern instead of pulling you into the past. It can help you avoid confronting your partner when feeling overwhelmed by anger or frustration and approach conflicts with a clearer mindset.

To approach conflict from a more regulated place, take breaks during heated moments to calm down and regain composure. Engage in calming activities like going for a walk or practicing relaxation exercises. Ground yourself in the present to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively and retaliating with past memories due to your heightened emotions.

You can also reach out to trusted individuals such as friends, family members or a therapist for support and guidance to embrace fresh perspectives and process your emotions healthily.

3. Develop An 'Us Vs The Problem' Mindset

Cultivating an "us vs. the problem" mindset rather than a "you vs me" mindset can transform the way you approach conflicts within your relationship. Recognize that placing blame or criticism only hinders relationship growth and that the current grievance is valid on its own without the need to bring up past conflicts.

Further, instead of viewing disagreements as competitions to win or lose, focus on solving issues together as a team and treat the problem as a shared challenge that you both are committed to addressing positively.

When each person takes accountability for their part in the conflict and prioritizes its resolution above all else, it encourages collaboration and patience, strengthening your bond and reducing the need to prove yourself right using a variety of past examples of hurt.

4. Focus On Lessons Learned

A 2021 study found that finding positive meaning in negative past memories is associated with enhanced mental health and a more positive outlook on them when reflecting back. This practice also allows you to emotionally resolve past wounds better, reducing the need to bring them up when you're feeling hurt again.

Further, reflecting on lessons learned from past conflicts can provide valuable insights for navigating current challenges. Instead of viewing them as solely negative experiences, consider what they have taught you about yourself, your partner and your relationship dynamics. What did you learn about your reactions to stress as a couple? What resources, actions or personal qualities helped you both move through it? These questions help you effectively reframe your experiences.

5. Nurture Your Relationship Everyday

It is not only how you respond during conflict but how you and your partner treat each other everyday that matters. Nurturing your relationship on a daily basis is essential for preventing conflicts from escalating into kitchen sinking scenarios. Meeting each other's needs for connection is a vital aspect of maintaining overall relationship satisfaction and reducing future conflict.

Prioritize quality time together and engage in activities that strengthen your connection. Show appreciation and affection towards your partner regularly and communicate openly about your needs and desires within the relationship. Research shows that positive relationships enhance wellbeing through the sharing of positive memories, being supportive, showing genuine interest and emotionally engaging with one another.

Additionally, it is essential to address any concerns or issues promptly to prevent resentment from building up. This "routine maintenance" and effort fortifies your relationships when serious issues come up. By cultivating a positive and supportive relationship environment, you lay the groundwork for effective conflict resolution and long-term relational happiness.

While it is not wrong to want to address various kinds of relationship issues, the timing must be carefully considered as it significantly impacts your relationship and how appropriately the problem will be addressed. While conflicts are inevitable, how we navigate them can make all the difference.

Are your relationship's "dirty dishes" coming between you and your partner? Take the Relationship Satisfaction Scale to know if you need professional support.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here, and on PsychologyToday.com, here.