How to resolve conflicts in a relationship

When we are in a close intimate relationship, it is, inevitable, a fact that there is going to be conflict from time to time. This conflict can be as a result of trivial things like how one coughed without covering his or her mouth or significant things like how many kids the couple should have.

However, there are times these conflicts are not properly addressed and they keep popping up.

Conflicts sometimes ensue in the quest to find solutions to some pressing issues in a relationship and sometimes just to find out who is right or wrong in an argument. Conflict under the latter circumstance is not healthy for a relationship and can cause long-term damage.

Below are some basic strategies to follow to resolve conflicts in a relationship on a healthy ground rather than opting for a breakup.

1. DIALOGUE
Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. Make sure that you talk things through with your partner.

Tell them what they did that you did not like; tell them why you reacted in the manner you did; tell them how they should go about things the next time you are faced with the same situation.

Communication helps us to understand each one better after the conflict. The importance of a dialogue is to allow the angered person to vent out his or her anger.

But before you dialogue, both of you must be willing to face the situation with an open mind.

2. LISTEN
Do not stonewall but be ready to listen to your partner. Stonewalling is when a partner withdraws from the discussion. Listening can give you a better understanding as to why a person behaved in a certain manner.

Do not always be the talker when issues arise. Be ready to let your partner also do the talking when you are done talking.

Do not be reluctant to listen to them no matter what they may be saying even if it doesn’t make sense. Speak a little less and listen more.

Do not spend your time interrupting your partner as it may shut down the communication leaving him or her feeling resentful.

3. BE PREPARED TO LET GO
Be prepared to let go of every argument after you have talked about it. Do not put issues in your pocket only for you to bring it out at another time.

Do not hang onto issues for too long and it is also important to avoid putting the relationship on the line when conflicts arise.

4. FORGIVE
Pardon or waive any negative feeling or desire to punish. Do not pay your partner in their own coins but rather forgive them since we are all human and as humans, we are bound to make mistakes.

And also remember that you can never find a perfect person but you can find a person who is genuine.

During this stage, remember all the positive things the person has brought into your life and base on that to forgive them.

5. LOVE AGAIN
Nothing feels so good than loving again after you resolve your conflict. You now know and understand the person more.

Leaving the relationship is never the best option when conflict arises because you will never find any relationship without conflict and it is better for you to repair your relationship than to throw it in the garbage bin and go for another.