Stopping Fights in Marriage and Relationships Is the First Step in Communication

_{Stopping
the Fight

When couples are in
the fight, nothing one says is going to influence the other in a positive
way. Skewed communication literally bounces off the walls as words become
ammunition and protective armor.
You can start changing
that today!}

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_{Sentences
are filled with accusations. You did this today. You did that yesterday. And
for good measure, you did something worse ten years ago! Most people shut down
after the first YOU. It feels like an indictment and doesn’t often indicate
a willingness to problem solve. Most often, it is an indication by one partner
that the other has caused a problem. Correction, IS the problem. Frequently,
the helpful partner making the YOU statement gives a suggestion as to just what
the other partner needs to do to get their life in order. The accusing partner
walks away with an anger high pleased to have said what their partner needed
to hear, yet expresses surprise when the partner not only does not follow-up
with their suggestions, but seems to dig in deeper to their old annoying behavior
pattern.}_GOTCHA!
_{What went wrong? The couple expressed resentments and each one reacted, as
if under attack. Although one partner thought he or she was problem-solving,
there was no open door to discover what actually was causing the problem. In
reality, their attacking communication may have been reinforcement of triggers
which build additional barriers to negotiation and closeness.}

_{Couples can practice more effective problem-solving with the day to day problems
in life. Many initially think this is silly. However, one or both may have grown
up in a home where problems were addressed in the same manner they are attempting
today. Role modeling may have been negative.}

_{Some helpful tips to get out
of the fight and become closer to your partner:}

_{1. Eliminate
the YOU accusations. It takes a concentrated effort and practice for
adults who have used this for a lifetime. However, it immediately can lift some
stress from a relationship.}

_{2.
Develop a warning code word or phrase which the
two of you can use in public. This code word signifies to the other one
to back off. This is important because couples often do not know how each hurts
the other. A simple agreement on this can reinforce you are working together
to solve problems. It also shows respect.}

_{3.
Learn healthy assertiveness skills. Identify
what you need and negotiate with your partner.}

_{If you'd like to learn
more effective techniques to solve problems with your spouse, enroll in our online
course Improving Your Relationships today!}