Conflict is inevitable in any relationship. Arguments and conflicts will always occur when two people share their lives. The key to a happy relationship is how you can resolve differences without allowing them to escalate.
Every relationship has its ups and downs. Some couples will fight over small issues, but others can manage these conflicts with maturity. It is possible to manage conflicts by putting aside your ego and having an honest conversation with your partner. This post will discuss the conflict in relationships and how you can manage them.
What is a Relationship Conflict?
A relationship conflict refers to any disagreement, argument, or heated discussion between two people in a couple. Conflicts can arise from disagreements over holiday plans and real estate investments.
There are a few characteristics that indicate conflict in relationships. These include: These are some of the common characteristics:
Exaggerated or dramatic behavior
Refusing to take steps to end the conflict
It is easy to forget the outcome of a conflict after it has ended.
Use vulnerability or confidential information in order to shame or disgrace your partner
Don’t show apprehensions about humiliation or embarrassment of the partner
Using defensive behavior or interrupting and invalidating the partner.
What is the Normal Level of Conflict in a Relationship?
In a relationship, there will be conflicts. These conflicts can be resolved, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are impossible to solve. There are many ways to achieve positive and constructive outcomes.
Partners may disagree or criticize one another in healthy relationships but they are aware of when their actions are hurtful or inappropriate. Partners may feel remorseful, talk to their partner and try to resolve the situation. They can strengthen their relationship by resolving their differences respectfully and jointly.
If conflicts are frequent it could indicate emotional abuse or underlying emotional issues. Conflicts that are not resolved can lead to misunderstood, vulnerability, frustration, and even depression in partners.
Patterns of Relationship Conflicts
Let’s now talk about the different types and patterns of conflict in relationships.
Rapid escalation and drama: This type of conflict is marked by rapid aggression. One partner may become aggressive quickly without any provocation. It can lead to dramatic or dramatic expressions or language. Criticism is often directed at the quieter partner. The situation ends when the aggressive partner loses energy or can’t get the other partner to take responsibility.
Sarcastic jeers: To provoke the other, one partner uses a torrent of sarcastic comments. If those jabs don’t work, the other person uses more targeted attacks to provoke a response. However, the other partner remains calm and passive. The sarcastic partner usually leaves and the conflict ends. The other partner continues to work as though nothing has happened.
Argument stretching: The argument is continual, prolonged, or pursued by one partner. This includes picking apart every detail, asking for responses, and pushing their personal opinions. This type of conflict is when the other partner avoids arguments and is more of a harmony-seeker. This is when the harmony-seeker can’t take it anymore and then he/she explodes with anger.
Threats and intimidations: A partner threatens to subdue another. These threats can be physical or emotional. These threats are used to make the partner feel weak or helpless in the relationship. The victim eventually leaves the relationship or succumbs to the threats.
Refusing to accept responsibility: If one partner is questioned about their actions, they will react by placing the blame on the other or making it seem guilty. These partners are too defensive and avoid the real issue. The flippant partner must take full responsibility for the conflict.
Loud and loud attacks: Although it may start as a disagreement, this type of conflict can quickly escalate into loud and violent attacks. Both partners might resort to shouting and yelling in order to marginalize the other. The situation can seem like a war zone with their constant shouting and body language. Both the conflict and the exit of the other partner end the conflict.
Asking for answers: A partner persists in seeking answers, reasons, and truths that are not being shared with him or her. One partner might avoid or dodge these conversations, and prefer to keep the details private. When these conflicts lead to suspicions or the breaking of trust, things can get complicated.
Dramatic arguments: When one partner is too dramatic when expressing their opinions or disagreeing with the other, this type of conflict can arise. One partner might dismiss the situation or make fun of it. The conflict can end when one partner lets go of their emotions or makes a dramatic exit. If the other party undermines or invalidates the situation, it may end.
Good guy/bad man: This type of conflict is common in committed, caring couples. The other partner will take a backseat when one of their partners starts to criticize or question the other. They may not feel it is justified but they keep their distance to maintain peace. The dominating partner feels guilty and the other partner emerges victorious.
What causes relationship conflicts?
There are many reasons why relationship conflicts may arise. Let’s look at some common reasons.
Intimacy problems: If one partner feels uncomfortable sharing their feelings or emotions with the other, there may be conflicts. It can be difficult for couples to have meaningful conversations if they lack emotional intimacy.
Dominance: This is when one partner becomes too dominant and makes the other feel weak or insignificant. The power dynamics of the relationship can become complicated, which could lead to conflicts and resentment.
Family involvement: While your family is a great support system, it can sometimes lead to conflict between the partners. The conflict between partners can be exacerbated by disagreements, unwarranted advice, or involvement in personal affairs.
Communication is key: A lack of open communication can lead to problems that are not resolved. This can lead to disagreements or arguments.
Both partners should welcome constructive criticism. It is possible to cause conflict between the partners if this becomes a matter of pointing fingers or putting down the other partner.
The level of commitment: If there is a significant difference in commitment and efforts to make the relationship work it can lead to one partner feeling that they are responsible for all of the responsibility. Different expectations can lead to conflicts.
Unrealistic expectations: Every relationship has its ups, and downs. Some couples have unrealistic expectations of a happy, perfect relationship. These expectations can lead to conflicts and disagreements.
Selfish behavior: This is when one partner doesn’t consider the needs, choices, or aspirations of the other. It can be difficult to build a healthy relationship when one partner is so selfish.
How to resolve conflict in a relationship?
Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable. But what is important is how you handle them. These are some effective ways to resolve conflict in relationships.
Communication with your partner should be open and honest. You will be able to discuss both your problems and your positives. You should create a safe environment for you to express your feelings, hopes, and concerns.
Keep calm during heated arguments. It’s easy to lose control. Keep calm, and use empathy and sensibility to steer your arguments. Avoid making sarcastic remarks, jibes at one another, and putting the other down. If you feel like you have to keep your cool to stop your partner from getting angry or explosive, it could be abusive.
You must address the root cause of any problem. Find the root cause and work together to solve your problems. Respect your partner’s point of view and be understanding. Do not force your point.
Find common ground. Reach agreement. Relating to others is about mutual understanding. Prioritize each other’s needs.
Pick your battles. Don’t argue with your partner about every little thing – such as which movie to see, which book to read, and which restaurant to visit – these are not important enough to be argued over. Pick your battles carefully. It is important to determine what you can let go of and which things you need to talk about together.
Take a look at the big picture. In order to have a healthy relationship, both partners need to be able to see the larger picture. They must be able to see and share the larger picture. To make the relationship work, you will need to let go of your dreams and beliefs.
Is it healthy or unhealthy to have conflict in a relationship?
How you handle conflicts and how often they occur can make a difference in whether or not they are healthy.
It is possible to have healthy relationships when there are conflicts. This will strengthen your relationship and increase understanding.
A healthy relationship may have frequent or ongoing arguments, heated disagreements, and fights that escalate quickly can be signs of an unhealthy relationship.
Your partner and you are different people. Therefore, conflict is inevitable in a relationship. Surprisingly, having a relationship without conflicts is not always good. Every couple has different patterns of conflict. Your conflicts may be loud, dramatic, sarcastic or loud. How you handle and resolve conflicts and disagreements is what makes the difference. Both you and your spouse must find common ground in order to make the relationship work. The best strategies for a successful relationship are to keep cool and communicate openly and honestly.
