HomeConflictWhat No One Taught You About How to Fight With Your Spouse

What No One Taught You About How to Fight With Your Spouse

1. Here-And-Now

If you focus on past issues, you can’t address what is happening between you now. If the old issue wasn’t a problem 24 hours ago, why is it relevant now?

  • Focus on one issue at a time. You can’t resolve all of your problems at once. If you have more than one, make a list and tackle them over time. Success breeds success.
  • Avoid using “always” and “never”. They are rarely true.

2. Find Common Ground

Lose the idea of a “fight” meaning that one wins and one loses. That’s a game. Your relationship is not a game.

  • The goal is not to “win” because if one “wins”, then the other one must “lose”.  The goal is to find a resolution you can each live with…give a little, get a little.
  • Hear your partner out.  To find a true resolution, you have to understand what your partner’s feelings and needs are.
  • Seek a resolution and not just a truce. A true resolution means that you’ve shared your feelings, forgiven, apologized and found a solution that will keep the battle from being fought over and over.

3. Keep It Private

It’s easy to want to vent to others. We want someone to validate our feelings. Fight the urge!

You won’t get what you need and you’re setting your partner up for a battle he/she can’t win. You may be willing to forgive your partner but your family and friends will have a much harder time of it.

  • Your relationship, your business.  Don’t involve your mom, your BFF, your co-workers or anyone else. They are more likely to take your side and simply tell you what you want to hear.
  • No Social Media. Social media is the last place you want a conflict to play out. Your relationship is not a reality show. Respect your relationship.
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