Communicate assertively, take responsibility for your own feelings and actions, and focus solely on the issue at hand

Written By shane smith

It’s important to resist the urge to bring up past experiences that have already been resolved and reopen them for discussion. Acknowledge the current disagreement and work through the conflict by actively listening to your partner. Respect your partner, remember you are on the same team, and know it’s okay to take a time out if you need to. While embracing the conflict and dealing with it can be uncomfortable, it can ultimately bring you closer as a couple.

Consider your automatic negative responses when conflict arises. Do you get angry, do you withdraw or are you defensive. Thing about how these reactions affect your ability to resolve issues respectfully and what can you do to counteract these reactions.

Discussion:

  • What does “take responsibility for your own feelings” mean to you?

  • What does it feel like to recognize your feelings in the situation?

  • Are you relieved?

  • Do you feel more vulnerable?

  • Do you feel proud?

  • How does this help emotionally charged situations?

Tune in next week for more tips and ideas related to conflict in relationships.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM.

Tune in next week for more discussion about relationships and mental health. 

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Written by Shane Smith
shane smith
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It’s important to resist the urge to bring up past experiences that have already been resolved and reopen them for discussion
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Am I ready to discuss my relationship? Pick a day where your emotions are calm