How Conflict Can Better Your Relationship
Conflict in a relationship is inevitable. In itself, conflict is not a problem; how it is handled, however, can bring people together or tear them apart. Poor communication skills, disagreements and misunderstandings can be a source of anger and distance, or a springboard to a stronger relationship and happier future. Next time you are dealing with conflict, keep these tips on effective conflict management skills in mind and you can create a more positive outcome.
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Stay Focused: Sometimes it is tempting to bring up past seemingly related conflicts when dealing with current ones. Unfortunately, this often clouds the issue and makes finding mutual understanding and a solution to the current issue less likely and makes the whole discussion more taxing and even confusing. Try not to bring up past hurts or other topics. Stay focused on the present, your feelings, understanding one another and finding a solution.
Listen Carefully: People often think they are listening, but are really thinking about what they are going to say next when the other person stops talking. Truly effective communication goes both ways. While it might be difficult, try really listening to what your partner is saying. Do not interrupt. Do not get defensive. Just hear them and reflect back what they are saying so they know you have heard. Then you will understand them better and they will be more willing to listen to you.
Try To See Their Point of View: In a conflict, most of us primarily want to feel heard and understood. We talk a lot about our point of view to get the other person to see things our way. Ironically, if we all do this all the time, there is little focus on the other person’s point of view, and nobody feels understood. Try to really see the other side, and then you can better explain yours. (If you do not “get it”, ask more questions until you do). Others will more likely be willing to listen if they feel heard.
Respond to Criticism with Empathy: When someone comes at you with criticism, it is easy to feel that they are wrong, and get defensive. While criticism is hard to hear, and often exaggerated or coloured by the other person’s pain and respond with empathy for their feelings. Also, look for what is true in what they are saying; that can be valuable information for you.
Own What is Yours: Realise that personal responsibility is a strength, not a weakness. Effective communication involves admitting when you are wrong. If you both share some responsibility in a conflict (which is usually the case), look for and admit to what is yours. It diffuses the situation, sets a good example, and shows maturity. It also often inspires the other person to respond in kind, leading you both closer to mutual understanding and a solution.
Use “I” Messages: Rather than saying things like, “You really messed up here”, begin statements with “I”, and make them about yourself and your feelings, like, “I feel frustrated when this happens.” It is less accusatory, sparks less defensiveness, and helps the other person to understand your point of view rather than feeling attacked.
Look for Compromise: Instead of trying to “win” the argument, look for solutions that meet everybody’s needs. Either through compromise, or a new solution that gives you both what you want most. This focus is much more effective than one person getting what they want at the other’s expense. Healthy communication involves finding a resolution that both sides can be happy with.
Take a Time-Out: Sometimes tempers get heated and it is just too difficult to continue a discussion without it becoming an argument or a fight. If you feel yourself or your partner starting to get too angry to be constructive, or showing some destructive communication patterns, it is okay to take a break from the discussion until you both cool off. Sometimes good communication means knowing when to take a break.
Do not Give Up: While taking a break from the discussion is sometimes a good idea, always come back to it. If you both approach the situation with a constructive attitude, mutual respect, and a willingness to see the other’s point of view or at least find a solution, you can make progress toward the goal of a resolution to the conflict. Unless it is time to give up on the relationship, do not give up on communication.
Ask For Help If You Need It: If one or both of you has trouble staying respectful during conflict, or if you have tried resolving conflict with your partner on your own and the situation just does not seem to be improving, you might benefit from a few sessions with a therapist.
Remember that the goal of effective communication skills should be mutual understanding and finding a solution that pleases both parties, not “winning” the argument or “being right”. This does not work in every situation, but sometimes (if you are having a conflict in a romantic relationship) it helps to hold hands or stay physically connected as you talk.
Excerpt From: Dr. Nicholas Jenner Psy.D MA. “Our Quest for Happily Ever After”. Apple Books.
Originally published at http://boundariesofthesoul.com on May 16, 2019.
