0Conflicts are unavoidable parts of any relationship. Even people in the healthiest of relationships have occasional conflicts that arise between them. It is not conflicts that one should try to avoid but the mismanagement of conflicts. Resolving conflicts healthily strengthens the relationship and establishes trust & respect for one another.
However, poor management of conflict impairs the relationship and sows in it mistrust, grudges, anger & sorrow. Conflict management is an acquired skill built on the foundations of emotional intelligence and utilized in various situations, from office to the classroom to homes.
Conflicts are caused due to disagreements that give rise to strong emotions of anger, grief or shock. When there is a discrepancy between a person's needs and what they are received, it leads to disagreements & differences. If not appropriately addressed, these feelings of differences begin to grow and damage the relationship in the long run.
TIPS TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS
- Empathize: Understand the feelings of the other individual. Try and look at the issue from their point of view to understand what it is that is influencing them the most. Avoid discrediting their feelings as this would do more harm to the relationship.
- Listen: Instead of indulging in heated arguments with the other person, listen to them with the intent to understand what they mean. If both parties speak and none listens, the conflict will intensify, and the relationship may go sour.
- Express, but remain respectful: Be as respectful as possible while addressing the conflict. Don't use harsh words or insult the other person no matter how angry you are. If you feel angry, take your time to deal with the situation.
- Work out a healthy solution: Discuss and arrive at a beneficial conclusion wherein both of your issues are duly addressed. Make sure the solution deals with the problem so that you leave the discussion feeling respected.
- Bury the past and move on: Move on from the past, and leave any bitterness behind. Sort out those feelings once and for all and look forward to a better and stronger relationship.
Conflicts are not to be avoided but to be handled constructively. Doing so would strengthen the bond between the individuals & encourage healthy communication.
