Conflict Resolution

March 6th, 2019
by Matt Schroeder

How Do You Deal with Conflict?

Hurts are inevitable in all relationships. And oddly enough, we often hurt those we love the most. One obvious reason is that we spend more time with family members than we do others.

Has your family ever talked about how to handle those inevitable misunderstandings?

Do you have some established principles on how to deal with conflict among friends and loved ones?

Here are a few principles to get you started:

Commit to resolve personal anger
- Never take it out on others
Consider the needs and feelings of others
- Never selfishly focus on your own needs and feelings
Give thought and priority to others in the relationship
- For more on this check out this helpful article, Considering Others
Apologize openly and forgive one another quickly
- Never pretend to be perfect
Share your concerns and feelings directly
- Never talk to one person about another
Address hurts and problems openly and in a timely manner
- Never pretend they do not exist
Commit to personal responsibility and accountability
- Never blame others for your inappropriate behavior
Be honest with emotions
- Never use manipulations and guilt trips
Prioritize the people
- Never prioritize the possessions, work, or projects

Discuss these and other principles for conflict resolution. Appoint a family member as “secretary” to write down the principles and review them on a regular basis.

Did you enjoy this month's content? It is an excerpt from EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER. Pick up a copy today for a complete look at relationships in and around your family!