Conflict is inevitable in all relationships. For married couples, disagreements can create rifts or serve as building blocks for strengthening their union. Most of the time, conflict is not the reason a marriage falls apart; that’s how couples deal with them. If you are currently struggling to make your marriage work, here are some tips to help you resolve conflict in a healthy and constructive way.
Keep lines of communication open
Communication is extremely important in any relationship. To keep your marriage healthy, make sure to discuss any issues with your spouse, no matter how trivial they may seem. Be honest, respectful and avoid pointing fingers. Share your deepest thoughts and emotions. Effective communication is a two-way process, so make sure to listen actively as your partner pours his heart out. Pay attention to their body language and how you respond. Be careful how do you communicate nonverbally, because your partner may interpret your expression. Apart from discussing your problems, remember to highlight the positive aspects of your relationship as well. If you cannot talk openly or express how you feel, then you can being in an unhealthy relationship.
Creating a safe and conducive environment
When your partner gets angry and accusatory, it is natural to feel defensive and retaliate. Sometimes, small problems tend to become more serious until you end up hurting one another with words and actions. Sadly, some couples become physical violence to one another. If you want to resolve your conflict, you need to create an emotionally safe environment. Let your partner feel that they can talk to you about anything without being judged. Always try to give your partner the benefit of the doubt and let them explain their side. Focus on the conflict at hand and stop bringing up their past mistakes. When you clear your judgment, you’ll be capable to see your partner from a place of compassion. By doing so, you’ll be capable to disagree with them without being hostile.
Find the root explanation for the conflict
Instead of regularly trying to get your point across, try to look at the bigger picture. Several conflicts arose from unaddressed needs and problems. If your partner seems to focus on the minutiae, try to assess where his feelings are coming from. For example, if they appear irritated every time you come home late, they may be concerned about your safety. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and try to imagine how you would feel and react. Analyze your actions carefully and remember that in many cases, there may be larger issues that you need to focus on. Consider working through your conflict when you’re calm and grounded. To further help you resolve this conflict, there are several strategies for couples counseling that you can use at home. you can check list of exercises here. These exercises may facilitate more open and honest conversations between you and your partner and help you strengthen your marriage.
Marriage is not at all times easy. There will even be conflicts that you’ll need to deal with. As long as the two of you are willing to work together despite your differences to find common ground, then you’ll be capable to make your marriage last a lifetime.
