Last Updated on September 9, 2020
3. Use “I” statements
If you want the person you are arguing with to feel defensive, using “you” statements will do the trick. But what’s the point? Instead, try to show your point of view with statements that start with “I.” Some examples are “I feel this…” or “I think that…”.
This allows you to expose how you feel without holding the other person directly accountable for your feelings. It’s a great mechanism to make the other person empathize with your point of view, which makes it easier for you two to reach an agreement.
4. Listen to what the other person has to say
Respect in a relationship is one of the major keys to success, and every discussion needs to be respectful if you expect to achieve a positive result. This means that you should actively listen when the other person is talking instead of just waiting for your turn to talk.
If you are committed to finding out how to settle disagreements in a relationship, you should hold on to the idea that communication needs to work as a two-way street.
Give the other person space and time to express themselves and take your time to do the same as well. Listening – really listening – is vital if you want to understand one another and solve your mutual problems.
5. Take a step back
Sometimes if you are upset about something, you might end up saying harsh things that you don’t mean. The problem with this is that once you put those things out there, you can’t take them back, and the damage will be done.
If you want a long-lasting relationship, you will have to teach yourself how to think things through before saying them. And sometimes, this means taking a step back, breathing in and breathing out before you speak. Don’t have fights while you are hot-headed – you might regret them in the end.
6. Don’t go to bed mad at each other
Humans experience a vast range of emotions, and it can be difficult to deal with some of them, especially when it comes to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. But if you want things to last, you can’t allow resentment to build up.
