How does a couple constructively resolve conflict?
Conflict skills are easy to understand and practice. Here are a few suggestions for improving your ability to resolve conflict: • Accept conflict as a normal part of a close relationship. • Take time to openly listen to the concerns of your partner. • Never negotiate in moments of anger. Take a break. • When negotiating, do not bring up past issues. • Focus on the relevant and current issues and express both positive and negative feelings. • Do not blame each other, but focus on the problem. Be sure to confirm that what you understood is what the other person expresses TIP 4: Avoid “winning” by intimidation, aggression or any kind of emotional or verbal abuse. Because the approach you use to resolve conflict will affect the outcome, the more constructive your approach the greater the possibility of success. Also avoid silencing the other side using guilt, reproach or humiliating expressions. These power tactics only destroy the relationship in the long term. TIP 5: When fighting, Accep
