Conflict, Friend or Foe?

It can get ugly! And let’s be honest, we all know a few people who seemingly create clouds of conflict everywhere they go.

Hopefully, you are not one of them!

In fact, even the most mild-mannered can get embroiled in heated disagreements that can be uncomfortable.

Conflict is inevitable and can even be healthy. It appears when competing or incompatible options exist. It does not necessarily imply hostility. It is not always a bad thing.

Conflict can also provide benefits. A total lack of conflict is usually a bad sign. A sign that you are afraid of expressing your thoughts.

But conflict is also one of the most cited reasons for divorce!

WHAT IS CONFLICT?

We could say that Conflict is a struggle involving opposing ideas, values, and/or limited resources. A crisis of some sort. It’s usually motivated by the incompatibility of ideas, values, and/or goals.

Let’s check out some of the dangers and positive power of conflict

DANGERS OF CONFLICT

  • Alienation

  • Decreased positive feelings

  • Out-of-hand hostility

  • Decreased possibility for rational thought

  • Polarized positioning

  • Erosion of trust

  • Time-consuming

  • Sabotages decision-making

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF CONFLICT

  • Increases motivation and involvement

  • Enhances problem/solution identification

  • Promotes communication

  • Provides reality adjustment

  • Enhances creativity

  • Contributes to goal attainment

  • Triggers growth

  • Increases the chance for genuine commitment

Obviously, learning to handle conflict effectively is critical for couples. Understanding conflict better is ensuring you are not working under faulty thinking.

When you understand how to manage conflict and harness its positive powers, conflict can transition from danger to your relationship to an investment in the health and happiness of you and your relationship.

What would it be for you?

If you are struggling with conflicts in your relationship, SCHEDULE A CALL with Dr. Ada to explore how to manage conflict better and rekindle your love and relationship.

Ada GonzalezComment