The Art of Communication and Conflict Resolution
Conflict is often a part of even the very best marriages. Disagreements can be caused by many things, ranging from financial management to raising kids. It isn’t inherently bad for conflicts to occasionally arise as it can be an expected part of any relationship. After all, it is rather unlikely for two different people trying to work out a life together to agree on everything all the time.
When Conflict Turns Unhealthy
How you handle marital conflict can vary from person to person. If you perceive conflict as dangerous and something to fear, it can leave you feeling traumatized and powerless over your own feelings. It can be tough to handle the problems at hand if you tend to either shut down or explode in anger. If you view conflict as demoralizing, you’re unlikely to compromise if you struggle to see the other person’s side. When conflict makes you feel resentful, strong emotions like hurt, disappointment, rejection, and shame can leave the present-day disagreement unresolved.
If you have difficulty identifying your own feelings, you may be more likely to handle conflicts in an unhealthy manner. When you are feeling so stressed that you’re unable to process your other emotions, you can feel blind even to your own needs. When you fail to understand your own needs, you can’t effectively communicate with your partner and stay in touch with the real cause of the conflict. At this point, conflict can become so big that it can feel as if it is causing an irreparable rift between the two of you.
Managing Differences, the Healthy Way
You’re likely not unlike any couple with disagreements. Relationships would be boring if you didn’t occasionally disagree with the person you love the most. In fact, psychologists say that conflict can actually be good for a marriage because it becomes an opportunity to get to the bottom of things. Unfortunately resolving conflicts can be tricky. Some couples are lucky to have the skills to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts on their own. Others may need help from a third party to provide objectivity and assistance in learning new skills to manage conflict.
The Art of Resolving Conflict
If relationship conflict has become too overwhelming and your attempts to achieve reconciliation haven’t worked as well as you’d like, help from an expert could be beneficial to your relationship. Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with therapists that can help you to improve your relationship and learn new skills to resolve conflict. Soon enough you’ll be mastering the art of conflict resolution without hurting each other’s feelings.
Don’t wait, call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC now to request an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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