Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Default
Express yourself with clarity and compassion by focusing on observations, feelings, needs, and requests.
WikipediaFrom Tension to Understanding
Bridge helps couples turn heated texts into caring words. Less conflict, more connection. Try it together today.
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How it works
Chat as usual on WhatsApp with your partner.
- Bridge steps in and gently rewrites harsh or unclear messages into calm, caring words you can send.
- You reconnect with fewer flare-ups and more understanding.
- Over time you build trust, empathy and clearer requests.
Bridge vs. Non-Bridge conversation
Why were our son's clothes so messy for school today?
It's your fault. Maybe if you helped get him ready, he wouldn't look like that.
Typical! You can’t take responsibility for anything. Stop blaming me and just do your job as a parent.
Don’t lecture me about parenting. At least I’m not the one always late to pick him up.
What you’ll notice
- Fewer arguments and faster repair after conflict
- Clearer requests and boundaries
- More appreciation and affection in daily messages
Choose Your Communication Style
Choose a communication style that fits you and your partner to explore new ways to connect.
The default, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), is a gentle, widely used framework that builds clarity and compassion.
Imago Dialogue
Practice structured turn-taking: speak, mirror, validate, and empathise before responding.
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Active Listening
Show your partner they’re truly heard by reflecting feelings and summarising what you understood.
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The Gottman Tools
Learn gentle startups, repair attempts, and stress-reducing talks for healthier conflict resolution.
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Solution-Focused
Shift attention from problems to strengths and small positive steps you can take right now.
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Appreciative Inquiry
Build connection by asking questions that highlight what’s working well and what gives your relationship life.
WikipediaSee It in Action
Here are quick, practical examples showing how each style might shape a message in the moment.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
You never help around the house. The dishes are piling and I'm the only one who cares
When the dishes pile up, I feel overwhelmed because I need support. Could we split them tonight?
Observation: “When the dishes pile up” • Feeling: “I feel overwhelmed” • Need: “I need support” • Request: “Could we split them tonight?”
Imago Dialogue
You're overreacting again — it was just one plan I cancelled.
I want to slow down. What I’m hearing is: you felt hurt when I cancelled. Did I get that right? It makes sense you’d feel that. I imagine you felt unimportant.
Structure: “Slow down” • Mirror: “What I’m hearing is…” • Validate: “It makes sense…” • Empathize: “I imagine…”
Active Listening
Calm down, it’s fine — you’re overreacting about the deadline.
It sounds like you’re really stressed about the deadline. Did I understand you correctly?
Reflect: “It sounds like you’re really stressed…” • Check understanding: “Did I understand you correctly?”
The Gottman Tools
You never listen to me — you keep interrupting.
I feel ignored when I’m interrupted. I’d appreciate it if I could finish my thought before we respond.
Gentle startup • I‑statement: “I feel ignored…” • Positive need: “I’d appreciate…” • Specific request: “finish my thought before we respond”
Solution-Focused
Everything is a mess tonight — I don’t even know where to start.
What small step could make tonight 10% better? Maybe we order in and talk for 10 minutes.
Scale: “10% better” • Next step: “order in and talk for 10 minutes” • Focus on practical action
Appreciative Inquiry
Why don’t we ever have fun anymore? Weekends feel flat.
What moments lately felt most connected for us? I’d love to plan more of that this weekend.
Discover: “moments felt most connected” • Design: “plan more” • Do: “this weekend”
For therapists
Bridge is a companion that helps clients keep progress between sessions. Share it with your couples to reinforce skills at home.