Dealing with conflict
A FEW SIMPLE IDEAS TO HELP PREVENT CONFLICT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Shakespeare told us “the course of true love never did run smooth” and anyone who has been in a relationship will soon be nodding in agreement with the bard’s wise words.
Sadly, as mere mortals governed by our emotions, it’s inevitable that conflicts, disagreements or silly misunderstandings are going to creep into our lives – quickly testing the mettle of any loving union.
Next time you find yourself at odds with your partner, just remember these helpful relationship savers:
Communication is key
Talk it through calmly and logically, identify the problem in passive, non-confronting words and then let your partner respond (without interrupting). Even if you don’t agree with the counter argument, you can hear a different perspective to your concerns – ultimately creating a platform to work from.
Make sure everybody wins
Instead of looking to change your partner, see where you might be able to change to help resolve the issue. Establish what is important to both of you and then offer solutions to reach that common ground. By creating a win-win strategy to achieve a ‘greater good’, you can move past any initial conflicts or reservations and work together.
It’s okay to take a break
If things are getting too heated, a time-out is a necessary (and extremely helpful) way to prevent a minor disagreement escalating into a full-blown battle. Be sure to agree beforehand that you will both step back and take a time-out if one of you becomes too upset or overwhelmed. If the need arises, stop the discussion immediately and head to your respective corners. Go for a walk or to the gym, watch some TV in separate rooms or read a book, but agree to return to the conversation once you’ve both settled down.
Don’t make it personal
Nothing is going to be achieved by trading insults. Avoid put-downs or throwing blame at your partner. Don’t kill the chance for a productive conversation because you let ‘school yard’ insults derail the reconciliation.