Disagreements are par for the course in any relationship and they can be over something small or a dealbreaker like being unfaithful.
However there are things that you should definitely avoid doing after having a fight with your partner.
Relationship coach Michal Braker talks about some common disagreement philosophies that one should always consider. Braker says that relationships that last a long time are suaually the ones that know how to overcome arguments, disappointments and misunderstandings. He says the key to healing is to ask yourself this one question: ‘Do I want to win the fight or do I want the war?’.
He recommends some of these techniques to avoid exacerbating the situation.
- Don’t disrespect your partner’s need for space
“A partner is truly healthy and collaborative when they are able to articulate his or her needs and express their [feelings] of needing space with transparency and honesty,” Braker says that he best way is to be mature and honor that space.
The argument
- Don’t have an all-or-nothing attitude
Dr Megan Fleming who is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist advises people never to use terms such as ‘you always’ or ‘you never’ after a fight. Consider the other person’s point of view as having this attitude will never solve an argument.
- Don’t give them the cold shoulder
Don’t wait for the other person to reach out and go cold for days on end. Braker advises a couple who are in the same household to reach out to each other within 6 to 12 hours after an argument and 24 hours for couples who aren’t living together.
- Don’t hold what was said in a fight against your partner
If they say something during a fight that bugs you, tell them. If words said during a fight annoy you, give yourself some breathing room instead of approaching them right away.
- Don’t say you’re sorry if you don’t mean it and the other person is still hurting.
Say you’re sorry authentically and explain what you’re talking about. Don’t make excuses for why you fought either. Don’t blame a bad day at work for taking things out on your partner. It isn’t fair.
- Don’t ignore your partner’s need to rehash or resolve the argument until they are satisfied
Read More News
Illegal drugs emerge as top national security threat for 2024
The photo above is from Wikihow