6 Proven Tips to Overcome Family Conflict
You and your family member may be in constant conflict with each other, even though you know that it is not helping at all. You probably go into a fight every time you see each other, and when the emotions settle down, nothing has really improved and there is no resolution in sight.
If this sounds like your problem, then read on to find out what you can do about it.
1. Do not talk when angry
Do not let your emotions and feelings run astray, especially if they are negative emotions like anger. If you think that the only way to solve the problem is by shouting at each other, then you could be wrong, as it may only escalate the conflict even further.
If your family member says something that upsets you, then try keeping quiet for a while and think about what really upset you instead of jumping to a conclusion. When you are very angry with each other, take a short break and come back to the discussion when things have cooled down a little.
2. Try to be objective
When you start talking, try looking at the situation from your family member’s point of view too instead of just arguing from your own perspective only. Putting yourself in his or her shoes may help you understand how he or she got to this point and why they think what they think. This way you can find a more objective and rational solution to your problem.
3. Work on the relationship
When it comes to family, you cannot really place yourselves in separate compartments away from one another when there is conflict because you are related by blood. This means that if there are problems between the two of you, then it is likely to affect the rest of your family.
If you want to solve the problem permanently, then you should work towards developing a better relationship with each other instead of only thinking about the conflict itself. Try doing things together and get to know one another better so that there is more bonding between you two.
4. Give yourself space
You may be close to your family member, but that does not mean that you have to be with him or her all the time. There may come a time when you feel overwhelmed by each other’s presence and just need some space for yourself.
For example, if your brother wants to do something on his own and you always tag along, then it is likely that he will want some time out too. If you give each other space, then you can avoid getting into that constant conflict in the first place.
5. Apologize when necessary
Yes, even if it is someone who is very close to you like your family member, there are times when an apology may be due. This does not necessarily mean that you are wrong and he or she is right, but it just means that sometimes there is an issue that cannot be resolved and the only way forward is to give up some ground.
When this happens, apologize for your behavior and actions so that you can move on as friends again. Do not feel like you have to take all the blame for things that go wrong because your family member may apologize too for his or her part in the argument.
6. Seek professional help
If you have tried all these methods but nothing has really helped and the conflict is still going strong, then it may be a good idea to seek professional help. A piece on WashingtonCityPaper recommends that online counseling is best for all family members to join remotely to resolve your conflict in a short time so that you can put this behind you and have a better relationship once again.
Give yourself and your family member a break from constant conflict by following these tips and you will find that there is less tension between the two of you even when you talk about serious matters. These tips can also be used to resolve other types of conflict like those between friends and coworkers as well.