When conflict escalates, most couples do one of two things — blow up or shut down.
This guide shows you a third way: how to pause without disconnecting.
Time-Out That Works is a concise, therapist-created guide that teaches you how to take a break from heated moments in a way that actually repairs trust and builds closeness.
Inside, you’ll find:
Clear language for calling a time-out — without blame or defensiveness
Word-for-word scripts for both partners
Guidance on how long to pause (and what to do during that time)
A re-entry plan with repair phrases to rebuild connection
A printable protocol you can keep and reference
Perfect for couples who escalate fast, withdraw under stress, or want a shared plan that keeps both partners feeling safe and heard.
This mini guide gives you a repeatable process for cooling down and coming back together — one calm, connected step at a time.