Conflict is inevitable in any relationship because people are bound to have different opinions. In any given relationship where two people are involved, disagreements concerning opinions, values, and wants are inevitable. But if conflicts remain unresolved, it can result in dissatisfaction feelings and resentment as well as the destruction of relationship. For any relationship to blossom, it’s crucial for individuals to learn how to manage conflicts and find suitable solutions. In this article I will discuss different ways of how the individuals in couple can handle conflicts and reach towards improvement of one’s relationship.
Understanding the Root Causes of Conflict
However, in order to discuss particular conduits in detail, one should get acquainted with general perception of why conflicts happen in relationships. Common sources of conflict include:
Communication Issues: Lack of proper understanding and inter-personal communication can result to arguments which are normally avoidable.
Unmet Needs: There is always a sense of frustration when one of the partners feels that the other is not meeting their needs sexually or emotionally.
Different Expectations: The conflict of expectations can be observed with reference to the conflicts in roles and responsibilities as well as conflicts regarding expectations on the further course of the relationship.
External Stressors: Stress from one’s job and financial difficulties and issues within the family can put pressure on the couple and worsen the relations.
Past Hurts: There are cases where issues that have not been resolved before can be brought up during disagreements.
Experiencing these causes can assist the couples to handle the problems instead of the coupled symptoms.
Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies
Practice Active Listening
Thus, active listening is one of the major attributes in handling conflicts. This relates to listening without interruption, comprehending, interacting and even recalling what has been said by the partner. When the communication is done using active listening the partners get the feeling that they are understood and this reduces tension.
Use “I” Statements
Instead of criticizing a partner using “You always – “ kind of language, try to own the emotions by using “I statements”. For instance, using ‘I messages,’ it is more effective to say, “I feel upset when you do this,” instead of using blaming statements such as “You always do this. ”
Stay Calm and Respectful
It can become tensed during the conflicts, but regardless of emotions, one needs to be civil. Breathe slowly, and if need be stop for a while to avoid aggravating tension before proceeding with the conversation. Do not use verbal abuse or any other abusive actions that may foment the conflict such as raising your voice or using abusive language.
Seek to Understand, Not to Win
Conflict management is not about convincing the other party that you are right while they are wrong, but it is all about finding a solution that both the parties will accept. Try to enter into the conflict with a certain degree of receptivity, to help explain the situation and get a glimpse of the partner’s perspective.
Agree to Disagree
In some cases, it is permissible to live with the differences sometimes the most that you can do is to accept the differences. Every conflict does not have a clear solution and one should accept the differences. In other words, attempt to look for areas in which both you and the other person can get what you want, and negotiate and give where that is possible.
Find Solutions Together
Consultation entails negotiating with the other person with the aim of coming up with potential solutions to the conflict at hand. Be ready to listen to each other and ready to adjust to the opinion of the other partner. Working together on the solutions adds value to your alliance and it is important because the two partners are guaranteed to be content with the result.
Set Boundaries
Find ways on how conflicts will be managed and dealt with in the project. Get a mutual understanding on when the concerned issues should be discussed, how the communications should be made concerning the issues and the time span within which the discussions should occur. They assist in managing conflicts so that they do not get out of hand and become huge problems that one cannot solve.
Seek Professional Help
If sectarian insists on being unhealthy for you and you have endeavoured to change it in anyway possible, then perhaps consulting a therapist or counsellor is the next step. A professional can give advice as well as, recommendations, equipment, and methods relevant to your condition.
Preventing Future Conflicts
It goes without saying that it is relevant both in conflicts solve and knowing how to avoid them. Here are some tips for maintaining a harmonious relationship:
Communicate Regularly
Avoid the various points of misunderstanding, set time for daily/weekly/monthly or any other preferred type of communication with your partner. It is very important to sit and discuss with the partner about the day events, mood, and problems if any are encountered during the day.
Show Appreciation
Appreciation helps the couple avoid bitterness between them and will make your partner feel valued. It is the little things that show people they are valued and that goes a long way.
It is also important to regularly exercise, go on dates, recount your day with your partner, cuddle with your partner, and get your partners name tattooed on your body.
It is very important in a relationship for the couple to maintain the flow of affection and intimacy between themselves. Build and invest time into your relationship, do and share things that you both like, and be affectionate.
Manage Stress Together
Be aware of the environmental pressures that affect your relationship and stand behind each other during difficulties. Both of you should assume fair shares of the related tasks and discover how to take it easy with each other.
Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for yourself is one of the critical aspects that one must observe to portray a supporting partner. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and alone time to relax.
Conclusion
Disputes are inherent in any kind of partnership; however, they should not deteriorate the partnership. If a couple applies proper conflict-solving techniques, the conflict within the couple may either be solved amicably, or it may at least not worsen the further relationship between them. Recall that one needs to know how to fix a relationship which is through proper communication and the overall effort to solve the issue. And interestingly, it’s possible for the couple to transform these conflicts, or contentious issues, into experiences that can enrich the couples’ relationship and develop higher levels of intimacy or bread.