5 Relationship Conflict Strategies You Need to Know About

Let’s face it, conflict is inevitable. While we will not always see eye to eye with our significant other, how we manage or express those differences is something we can actually control. With the proper techniques, tools, and intentions, addressing conflicts can bring spouses closer.

Here are five tips to better handle conflict in your relationship. 

1. Discuss Conflict Resolution Before Anger Arises 

Conflict management requires a willingness for resolution from both parties. It’s important to discuss how you would like to manage disagreements and what your typical stuck points are before things get heated. 

In talking about what your habits typically manifest as when you’re angry, you and your spouse can help each other navigate what deep issues underlie these reactions and what to do to mitigate them from a neutral, more supportive headspace. 

2. Walk Away When You’re Angry 

In the realm of relationship conflicts, we emphasize getting into the habit of not discussing issues when you are angry, especially if all you’re doing is seeing who can shout the loudest. 

Arguing in the presence of anger changes the intention of the conflict. Instead of trying to resolve the problem at hand, often, people may resort to tactics that mean to hurt their significant other because they themselves feel attacked. In walking away when you’re angry, you can clear your head, breathe, and come back to the issue with a more holistic mindset. 

3. Take Your Time

Conflict is never going to be easy. Even with the best intentions, it can be challenging to get your point across without offending your spouse or partner. That’s why it’s essential to slow down and consciously understand what you’re trying to express. 

We may not always get it right, but taking the time to open up that dialogue is the first step to better managing disagreements in the future. Go for a walk, sit with your partner. It shows you you are ready to show up, listen and make things work. 

4. Always Be Prepared to Apologize

In the end, you may feel that you were in the right. You may even have been in the right, but that’s not the point. In times of conflict, you and your spouse are both still on the side of your relationship. 

Apologizing may feel unjustified, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept you were wrong. Apologizing means saying that you are sorry that there was a disagreement, and you are sorry that your partner is upset and that you are committed to finding a way forward that works for your relationship. 

5. Actively Listen and Discuss 

This is the big one. After all, communication is key.

In arguments, we often focus too heavily on getting our point across that we aren’t actually listening to our partners. Be prepared to listen to your partner so you can build a compromise and solution based on a real understanding of your differences and separate viewpoints. 

Moving Towards Collaboration

Adopting these strategies shows the intention to make your relationship, marriage, or partnership last.

Employing the help of relationship experts has been shown to help numerous couples get through their most heated conflicts. The Love of Attraction couple’s counseling sessions with registered psychotherapist Kathleen Maiman can help you with conflict resolution in your relationship, giving you the support you need to move towards a truly collaborative partnership.

Check out our website to find out more about our broad range of couples therapy and counseling services today.