Conflict is inevitable in any kind of relationship. We all come from different backgrounds and have varying personalities, so there will be friction from time to time. Couples tend to be harder hit by conflict because of their intimacy. Depending on the methods utilized, conflicts can grow bigger or disappear. Therefore, it is imperative to learn some couples’ conflict resolution skills. Learn the strategies for resolving conflicts effectively in this article.
Couples Conflict Resolution Strategies
Conflict is natural. If a couple never fights and agrees on everything every time, that is enough cause for alarm. If handled properly, conflict can make a couple grow closer. However, if it is not managed properly, it can lead to bigger problems. The couple can become stressed, which may cause the relationship to break down. Constant friction can also drive a wedge into a couple’s intimacy. Thus, couples’ conflict-resolution skills cannot be overemphasized.
The strategies for couples conflict resolution shared in this article will help you avoid a breakdown in your relationship. When lovers often quarrel, they can lose sight of the argument if it is not resolved quickly. They can also forget what they love about each other. This is why almost 70% of heterosexual unmarried couples split after a year. Hence, we have curated these four tips that can help your relationship become stronger amidst conflicts.
1. Communicate Your Hurt Quickly and Carefully
Don’t allow your hurts to simmer, hoping you will talk about them later. Doing this can foster resentment and lead to bigger misunderstandings in your relationship. Speak to your partner whenever something gets you upset, irritated, frustrated, or confused. You should also be firm and direct about what is wrong while communicating your hurt. However, while you need to be firm, you should also be careful when presenting your grievances. Don’t hurt them while communicating your pain.
Moreover, don’t blame your partner during your couple’s conflict resolution session. Be mindful of how you pass across your point. Otherwise, your partner may feel attacked and become defensive. This can worsen the conflict and shift the focus from the problem you initially planned to address. Focus more on how you feel and ask questions. Then, ask your partner if they understand you. If they have any comments or questions, you should listen to them and provide clarifications.
2. Stick to One Argument at a Time
During your couples’ conflict resolution attempts, focus on one problem at a time. Don’t stack your grievances and attempt to address them all at once. You can be tempted to quickly add a related issue while addressing certain issues, but you should not. It’s a slippery slope that will only make you start recounting instances where you both felt wronged. Address and resolve one issue before discussing other grievances so your couple’s conflict resolution sessions can be effective.
3. Stay Open-Minded
Another couples’ conflict resolution strategy is to keep an open mind. If you are open-minded, you can view things from another perspective. Perhaps you thought your partner ignored you or didn’t want to help you. However, while discussing your grievances, you may find out that certain factors could have been in play. Keeping an open mind helps eliminate bias. It also helps to better understand one’s partner during couples’ conflict resolution sessions.
4. Assume Your Partner Has Good Intentions
The final couples conflict resolution tip is to trust your partner’s intentions. Have faith that they are good people who want the best for you and themselves. Don’t suspect them of wanting to make you angry intentionally. Eliminating suspicion about your partner’s intentions will help you to be more receptive to their concerns. This will make you more willing to accommodate their grievances and adjust where necessary.
Couples conflict resolution strategies are a game changer in every relationship. Learning and applying them will help make your relationship stronger regardless of conflicts. Learn to communicate properly and be determined to keep your relationship in view instead of the hurts.
#Clique, have you ever been involved in a conflict with your partner? What strategies did you employ to resolve the issues you had? Share your experiences so other people can learn from it.
