The Best Ways to Deal with Conflict in a Relationship
Conflict is a natural part of a healthy relationship. But in the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to think rationally and calmly. Here are the best ways to deal with conflict in a healthy relationship.
Know the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict
There are many ways to deal with conflict in a relationship and it is important to know how to do it in a healthy way. Healthy conflict can strengthen a relationship and lead to a deeper and more meaningful connection. Unhealthy conflict can lead to a lot of problems in a relationship by causing resentment and anger to build. It is important to know the difference between the two and know what to do in each situation.
Healthy conflict is necessary for growth and understanding. In a healthy conflict, both people are involved and they are trying to understand each other. Conflict does not have to be confrontational. It can be done through conversation and dialogue.
Unhealthy conflict can cause damage to a relationship. Unhealthy conflict arises when one person tries to dominate and control the other.
When conflict arises in a relationship, it can be hard to figure out how to deal with it. This is especially true if you have not been trained in how to deal with conflict in a healthy manner.
If you or your partner feel trapped in unhealthy conflict, know that there are ways to deal with it. There are some things you can do to make your conflict more manageable and also to prevent it from turning into a fight.
1. Initiate the Conversation - It is important to initiate the conversation because it allows you to get your point across before your partner has a chance to get angry. Timing is important. Pick a time when you and your partner have the best chance of staying calm.
2. Keep It Focused - Keep the conversation focused on the problem at hand. Don’t allow yourself to get sidetracked by other issues. If you get distracted, come back to the main issue. This can be difficult if you are feeling embarrassed, angry, or hurt. If you are feeling embarrassed, try to talk about it from your partner's point of view. If you are feeling angry, try to set a time limit for the discussion. If you are feeling hurt, try to approach the topic in a calm and controlled manner.
3. Listen and Respond - Listening and responding to the other person is necessary because it allows you to know what they are thinking and feeling. You will not be able to resolve your conflict if you do not genuinely understand where your partner is coming from.
4. Be Honest - Be honest with your partner and don't try to sugarcoat things.
5. Be Patient - Be patient and don't rush to speak. Don’t get pushed over, but don’t be afraid to let the other person speak more, especially if this is the first time you’re addressing the issue.
6. Be Respectful - Be respectful with the other person and don't be mean.
How to deal with conflict when it's unhealthy
There are many different ways to deal with conflict in a relationship. Some people find it easier to talk about the conflict, while others would rather avoid it. If you have been in a relationship for a long time, you may have already found a way to deal with conflict that works for you. If you are new to a relationship, it is important to figure out what works best for you
When conflict arises in a relationship, it is important that you address it constructively. Here are some key behaviors to avoid:
Lashing out with anger
Lashing out with sarcasm
Withdrawing from the conversation/relationship
Threatening your partner or being threatened
Making empty promises
Blaming your partner
Using guilt to manipulate your partner
If you or your partner engage in such behaviors, consciously or not, you likely have a problem. Dealing with it can seem impossibly hard. But there are ways.
First, don't fight about silly or stupid things. If you do, take a break. After some time, talk to you partner about what's bothering you. Don't get into a power struggle. Listen and empathize with your partner. Remember that your partner is not the problem. Think about what you and your partner want. And if all gets to be too much, get professional help.
It's okay if conflict comes up in a relationship, but it can become toxic if it's not dealt with properly. Remember, conflict can be challenging at times, but it is so important to discuss and address them in order to stay in a healthy and happy relationship.
Are you having trouble in your relationship? We would love to hear from you! If you would like help dealing with conflict in your relationship, please reach out today!
