Learn To Resolve Conflict In Relationships And Communicate Better
All relationships, no matter how perfect they may seem at the beginning, eventually face challenges. While the early months and years are often filled with romance, spontaneity, and the sweetness of getting to know one another without many expectations, things change over time. In fact, research shows that nearly 70% of heterosexual, unmarried couples break up within the first year, while first marriages have almost a 40% chance of ending in divorce. Interestingly, the likelihood increases with each subsequent marriage — fascinating, right? Conflicts are an inevitable part of life, even in the most loving relationships. But the key is not to avoid them but to learn how to resolve conflict in relationships in a healthy way.
It’s important to know that having your own opinion and disagreeing at times isn’t bad — it’s completely normal. What matters is how we handle these differences. In this article, we’ll explore how to communicate better and resolve conflict in relationships so that they remain strong and healthy.
14 Tips on How to Resolve Conflict in Relationships in a Healthy Way
1. Separate the Issue from the Person
When we find ourselves in conflict, it’s easy to start blaming our partner instead of focusing on the actual issue. When you’re in an argument, try to think about what’s really bothering you and express your feelings without attacking your partner.
It’s essential to show a level of respect throughout the conflict and avoid targeting your partner’s flaws, mistakes, or personal traits. For example, instead of saying, “You always let me down!” try saying, “When this happens, I feel neglected.” This way, you’re not blaming your partner but clearly communicating what’s bothering you and why you feel that way.
This allows for an open dialogue where both can express their emotions without feeling attacked. As we know, our ego doesn’t like to rest, and any sharp statement can spark a bigger fire — a conflict.
2. Don’t Be Competitive
When in conflict, the temptation to approach it competitively can be strong. In conflicts, it’s not a race to win, and approaching it this way will do more harm than good.
Think of it as if you’re on the same team as the person you’re arguing with. Instead of competing, try to collaborate. When you fight with arguments or try to “outdo” the other, both often become more tense and distant. It’s better to take a moment and ask yourself, “What’s really important right now? What can I do to make sure we’re both happy with the solution?”
If you feel the conversation turning into a competition, take a short break and focus on your emotional reactions. Wait until you’ve calmed down, then return to the conversation with the goal of finding a solution, not winning. Try saying, “I understand we have different opinions. Let’s see how we can find a solution that works for both of us.” This shows that you value your partner’s feelings and are seeking a shared goal rather than a personal victory.
3. Don’t Jump to Conclusions
Do you feel like your partner didn’t complete the task you asked them to, or that they forgot about an agreed-upon obligation? When faced with such situations, it’s tempting to quickly assume that your partner doesn’t care about you or is being careless. But before giving in to such thoughts, take a moment to reflect.
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When something bothers you, try first to ask yourself, “What am I actually thinking about this?” Instead of assuming the worst, try to reframe your thoughts and look at the situation from a different perspective. Maybe your partner is tired, busy, or simply didn’t have the chance to respond on time.
If you’re not sure why something happened, just ask your partner. Instead of blaming or making assumptions, try saying, “I noticed you didn’t manage to be on time. Is everything okay? Is something wrong?”
Or, “I noticed you didn’t do the dishes. Why not? Is everything okay?”
4. Clearly Define the Problem
When in conflict, the first step is to clearly define the problem. It’s important that you and your partner have a shared understanding of what the issue is before you start looking for solutions. Sometimes things can get confusing if each person sees the problem in their own way, so it’s crucial to talk about what exactly the issue is.
Ask yourself, “Have we both clearly defined what the problem is?” It’s important to ensure that you and your partner understand the situation and what’s bothering each of you, without blaming or criticizing. Use questions that help you understand each other’s perspectives. For example, ask, “What exactly bothers you about this situation?” or “When and where did the problem first appear?” This will help clarify the causes of the conflict.
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Remember, at this stage, it’s important to listen without accusations or moralizing. Listening means understanding what your partner feels and why, which allows them to see the conflict as something you can resolve together, not a battle that needs to be won.
5. Finding Possible Solutions
Once you’ve clearly defined the problem, the next step is to find possible solutions. In this phase, it’s crucial to gather as many ideas and options as possible. Regardless of how practical they may seem, it’s important to consider all the possible solutions that come to mind. Write everything down so that you have a complete overview of what’s possible.
Use questions like:
“Have we listed all possible solutions before we started evaluating?”
“Have we both had the opportunity to suggest our ideas for resolving this conflict?”
Think of it as a phase where you’re just collecting options to resolve conflict in relationships, without immediately judging whether these solutions are realistic. This approach allows you to explore all possible paths before deciding which one is the best.
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Imagine that both of you contribute your ideas without fear of criticism. This opens the door to innovative solutions that you may not have considered before. When all ideas are laid out, it’ll be easier to find the best solution to resolve conflict in relationships.
6. Stay Open
Staying open during conflicts is essential for resolving disputes in a relationship. It’s easy to get stuck on your side of the argument, which blocks the ability to see things from the other person’s perspective. That’s why it’s important to set your ego aside and focus on the issue, not the person. Try to understand what your partner is feeling.
Strive for openness: ask each other what you need and give space for sharing opinions. This approach will strengthen your relationship and make conflict resolution easier, which is key to resolve conflict in relationships.
7. Stick to One Argument at a Time
During arguments, conversations can quickly expand to cover multiple topics, which can lead to confusion and escalate the conflict even further. When the argument starts on a particular topic, it’s easy to lose focus and go off on tangents.
If you stray from the original issue, you can lose track of the conversation and focus on related but unnecessary problems or even issues that have already been addressed in the past. This only complicates finding a solution and deepens the conflict.
By focusing on one issue, you allow each partner to process their emotions and concentrate on finding a solution before moving on. This helps both partners better understand what the other wants and needs, which is crucial for resolve conflict in relationships.
8. Improve Communication Skills
We know that healthy communication is key to a long-lasting and healthy relationship. So, pay attention to how you express yourself and work on strengthening any weak spots. Do you actively listen when your partner is speaking? Do you make eye contact? Do you give your partner your full attention? Are you trying to understand them? Are you expressing yourself respectfully?
Remember the tone of your voice and your body language. Maintain a respectful and open approach. Use “I” statements that express your feelings instead of accusing your partner. For example, say, “I feel neglected when you don’t listen to me,” instead of “You never listen to me.” Being willing to admit when you’re wrong also strengthens your bond. With these ingredients, you’re creating space for love, which is key to resolving conflict in relationships.
9. Take a Break
In moments when emotions run high and tensions escalate, it’s easy to say or do things you’ll later regret. Next time you feel things are getting out of hand, take a moment to calm down. This break could be a few minutes or a few hours, depending on what you need.
Taking a break during conflict allows you to reflect on the conversation and later approach each other in a more compassionate and understanding way. During this time, delve into your own feelings and needs, which you can then try to explain clearly and respectfully when you’re both ready to talk.
This approach helps you avoid confusion and frustration and enables clearer communication, which is crucial for resolving conflict in relationships.
10. Don’t Force Each Other to Change Your Mind
Sometimes, you simply have moments where your opinions don’t align. Instead of trying to get the other person to adopt your belief, it’s essential to learn to accept that sometimes you just won’t agree (and vice versa).
This doesn’t mean avoiding discussions on these topics—on the contrary, open communication is key to understanding. However, it’s important to respect each other’s opinions and remain open to different perspectives.
By allowing each other to express your opinions without pressure to change, you’re creating space for healthier and more respectful conversations. This way, you can focus on understanding each other rather than trying to win the argument.
Think of it as an opportunity to show that you value your different views. Learning how to resolve conflict in relationships without needing to persuade the other leads to greater well-being and trust between you.
11. Apologize and Take Responsibility
One of the hardest things to do after an argument is to apologize for your part without blaming your partner. When tensions arise, it’s important to recognize what you did wrong and clearly take responsibility for it. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry for my behavior,” use specific examples like, “I apologize for raising my voice and interrupting you.” This shows that you understand your impact on the situation.
It’s essential to avoid statements like, “I’m sorry, but you also did…” These comments only make the situation worse and prevent genuine progress.
Remember, resolve conflict in relationships is a process that requires openness and a willingness to change. With respect and sincere apologies, you can overcome the challenges that life brings together.
12. Set Boundaries
In every relationship, boundaries are key to ensuring both people feel safe and respected. This doesn’t mean putting up barriers between each other, but rather clearly stating what is acceptable and what is not. This way, you can better understand each other when tensions arise.
Let’s say you sometimes argue and feel that things get heated quickly. In this case, it’s good to agree on how you’ll behave when conflict arises. Maybe you promise not to insult each other or not to interrupt one another. This agreement will help you stay on track when things start to escalate.
Setting boundaries isn’t a punishment but a way to maintain a healthy relationship. It allows both of you to freely express your thoughts and feelings, which is key to resolving conflict in relationships.
13. Acknowledge Your Partner’s Emotions
Sometimes all our partner needs is simple recognition that their emotions are valid. What does this mean? Instead of immediately jumping to solutions or getting defensive, try saying something like, “I understand why you feel that way,” or “I can see this really affects you.” By doing this, you’re creating a safe space where your partner feels heard and accepted.
Acknowledging their emotions doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say, but it shows that you understand their perspective. When your partner feels heard, tensions tend to ease. This is one of the most powerful ways to resolve conflict in relationships, as it strengthens emotional connection.
14. Don’t Forget Physical Closeness
I know, I know – sometimes anger takes over, your ego is on high alert, and you’re in no mood for physical contact. But sometimes, even a gentle touch, a hug, or holding hands can help reduce tension and make it easier to have a healthy conversation.
As we know, physical touch releases hormones like oxytocin, which increases feelings of safety and connection. Don’t wait until you’re completely calm to show physical affection – sometimes, that simple gesture is exactly what can resolve conflict in relationships and bring you closer to understanding.
