If you want to improve your relationship without grand gestures or complicated advice, then three words is all it takes.

This simple phrase can work wonders for emotional intimacy in relationships, helping your partner feel truly seen and heard. If you’ve been wondering how to improve intimate relationships, this might just be your secret weapon.

KEY POINTS

• Many relationships suffer not from a lack of love but from a lack of feeling understood.
• Too often, we listen to respond rather than to truly hear our partner.
• Not every problem needs a solution.
  

Want to deepen your connection with your partner instantly? These three simple words can transform your communication and bring you closer than ever: “Tell Me More.”

It sounds almost too easy, but these three words can strengthen emotional intimacy, resolve conflicts more smoothly, and make your partner feel genuinely heard.

Many couples struggle to connect deeply in the rush of daily life, with our cell phones competing for our attention. They exchange words but do not understand solutions or support. That’s where “Tell me more” becomes a game-changer.

Related: 7 Ways to Improve Your Relationship

How To Improve Your Relationship And Why These Three Words Work

Many relationships suffer not from a lack of love but from a lack of feeling understood. Too often, we listen to respond rather than to hear our partner truly.

Take Elara and Jonah, a couple I saw in my counseling practice. When Elara shared that she felt overwhelmed at work, Jonah’s first instinct was to fix the problem: “Just delegate more” or “Try to leave earlier.”

But that response left Elara feeling unheard. What she needed was emotional support. When Jonah shifted to saying, “Tell me more,” something changed.

Instead of shutting down, Elara opened up about her fear of disappointing her boss, her struggles with burnout, and what she truly needed from Jonah—encouragement, not advice.

Similarly, Marco sensed that his wife, Sienna, had been distant lately. His usual approach was to ask, “Are you OK?”—a question that often led to the dreaded “I’m fine.”

But when he instead said, “Tell me more,” Sienna felt safe enough to share that she’d been feeling unappreciated and emotionally exhausted. That simple phrase helped them reconnect instead of growing further apart.

Tips for Using “Tell Me More” Effectively

• Use It With Genuine Curiosity: Don’t say it as a robotic phrase. Make eye contact, lean in, and show your partner you genuinely care about what they’re saying.

• Resist the Urge to Fix: Not every problem needs a solution. Sometimes, your partner simply wants to be heard. When you say, “Tell me more,” you give them space to express themselves.

• Practice Active Listening and Follow Up With Validation: Phrases like “That sounds tough” or “I can see why you feel that way” go a long way toward making your partner feel understood.

• Use It in Happy Moments Too: “Tell me more” isn’t just for difficult conversations. When your partner shares something exciting, using this phrase shows that you genuinely care about their joy.
  

Related: How The 7 Rules Of Friendship Can Improve Your Romantic Relationship

Final Thoughts

Relationships thrive on feeling heard and valued. Sometimes, the slightest shift in communication makes the most significant difference. Try using “Tell me more” today—you might be surprised at how much closer it brings you.

Written By Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D.
Originally Appeared On Psychology Today