Repair attempts—moves toward de-escalation after conflict has flared—matter more than avoiding conflict in the first place; they're how couples actually stay together. Learning to recognize both successful repairs (humor, apology, empathy) and failed ones (defensiveness, stonewalling, belittling) helps you understand whether a conflict actually resolved or just got shelved.
A repair attempt is any word, gesture, or phrase one person uses to de-escalate tension during a conflict before it spirals further. Identifying these signals in real time is a skill most people struggle with, especially when emotions are running high.
AI tools can be trained to flag repair attempts in transcripts or drafted messages, helping users recognize when a partner or colleague is trying to soften the exchange so they can respond constructively rather than missing the moment entirely.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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