7 Things You NEED To Know To Help Your Relationship Survive Mercury Retrograde

Mercury retrograde's signals might seem confusing at first, but that might actually be a sign that you are rushing through your day so quickly that you are unable to interpret the world around you. "The retrograde can have fuzzy communications," Macguire says. "You can survive by slowing down."

Take a deep breath, and re-examine your partner's actions. Perhaps things aren't exactly as they appear.

If slowing down and taking notice of the status of your relationship brings about negative revelations, it will be most productive to have an open and honest dialogue about these thoughts with your partner. "There could be difficult conversations that you’re going to have, and while it may be uncomfortable, remember the truth shall set you free," Jaye from GiftedAstrology.com tells Bustle. "If you need to initiate the conversation, take time beforehand to get introspective about how you can best communicate the changes that need to take place."

Let's be real for a second: Mercury retrograde can severely skew our judgement: we may grow paranoid, irritated, and suspicious. And there is a big difference between listening to your intuition, and making passionate decisions in the heat of the moment. "It's time to re-examine our relationships, and how we're taking responsibility for them," MacGuire says. "But don't make any momentous decisions." Wait until the Mercury retrograde passes before breaking it off, moving in together, or texting your ex.

When Mercury goes retrograde, it might lead you to question every tiny detail in your relationship, from phrases your partner says, to how long it takes them to text you back. "Your active mind could feel anxious because your natural inclination is to move forward, but these retrograde energies are designed to slow you down," Jaye says. "It will be extra important to meditate." Refocus your energy and calm your brain by practicing mindfulness.

If you've convinced yourself that your relationship is falling apart at the seams, then odds are you are throwing yourself into your work as a distraction. "Take breaks [and] rest and recuperate so you so don’t burn out," Jaye says. "This is the time to think about what you want to bring to the world and revisit your old plans. If limiting thoughts or beliefs come up, find the space inside of the feeling and let it help you discover a new approach to old problems." Instead of fighting against the tide, submit to the feeling of insecurity, and further reflect.

Take extra care to be a very good, active listener when conversing with your partner during Mercury retrograde. Make eye contact, process what they are telling you, and ask follow up questions. "If you need to initiate the conversation, take time beforehand to get introspective about how you can best communicate the changes that need to take place," Jaye says. "If someone needs to express something to you, be sure to listen and hear (two very different things) what they have to say and move forward to improve your connection."

When you're feeling a little on edge because Mercury retrograde, the slightest things your partner does might trigger your temper. That could be anything from a blank stare to a text message. In order to keep conflict at bay, take a deep breath before reacting. "Emails, phone calls, text messages will come in faster than usual, but they’ll be messed up with Retrograde’s energy during this time, so don’t react immediately," Jaye says. "You have to deal with passive aggressive or angry people, take time to think things through & use your natural gift of taking the greater good into account as you navigate through the tricky moments." The moment will pass, and you'll move on without butting heads.

Just because the universe is in flux, does not mean that you're relationship has to be. Try one of these survival methods to avoid start unnecessary arguments with or inquiries pertaining to your partner. Remember that your connection was established based on trust and love, and when things feel unbalanced — Mercury retrograde or not — your best bet is to take a step back, listen, and communicate.