Research relationships are often poorly understood. Why are some collaborations between research partners more productive than others? This question was a starting point of this paper. By describing their own experiences over a period of three years, the authors evaluated research relationships through collaborative self-study. At the beginning, they encountered challenges because they came from different countries and communities with different socio-emotional norms. In addition, while the first author was an experienced researcher, the second was just beginning her career as a researcher. The authors identified three phases through which their research relationship developed into a learning partnership and described the collaborative activities that enhanced the process of change. This study shows that the both participants have learned a lot from the other. The most central accomplishments of their learning partnership are improved reflection skills and academic productivity.