Accusations can lead to frustration and stress, and you might feel more like snapping back a retort than taking care to respond productively. Down the line, when one or both of you remember what you conceded, you might feel frustrated or resentful. In some cases, it might even cause the initial conflict to flare up again. You concede the conflict, which allows you to “be the bigger person,” so to speak.
Conflict avoidance hurts your relationship because it hurts you.
You may view conflict as demoralizing, humiliating, or something to fear. If your early life experiences left you feeling powerless or out of control, conflict may even be traumatizing for you. After all, two people can’t be expected to agree on everything, all the time. The key is not to fear or try to avoid conflict but to learn how to resolve it in a healthy way. If you’re married to a conflict-avoidant spouse, start today by creating a safe space for open dialogue.
- At Asana Recovery, we understand how unresolved conflict impacts emotional well-being.
- So the next time you feel the urge to avoid a difficult conversation or sidestep a challenging situation, pause for a moment.
- Have you ever wanted to keep the peace and not upset someone?
- The phrase “conflict avoidance” implies that there will be a negative conflict or tension.
Resolve issues in real-time
It’s also common to see a dating partner who avoids conflict fail to fully engage in difficult conversations, leaving their significant other feeling unheard or disregarded. So the next time you feel the urge to avoid a difficult conversation or sidestep a challenging situation, pause for a moment. Take a Sobriety deep breath, remind yourself of the long-term benefits of facing conflicts head-on, and take that first brave step towards engagement. Remember, every conflict you navigate is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and positive change.
The Cost of Avoiding Conflict
When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is assertive communication that resolves the disagreement while maintaining a respectful relationship. Support the creation of new tools for the entire mental health community. If you live with conditions such as extreme anxiety or social anxiety, then facing conflict can feel all the more daunting.
Fragile: Handle with Care and Understanding
During conflict, it’s easy to get caught up in defending your own position. However, validating your partner’s feelings is crucial for building trust how to deal with someone who avoids conflict and moving forward. Similar to setting boundaries, practicing assertive communication can help you resolve conflicts more effectively. Practice asserting yourself with statements such as “I feel…” or “My experience is that….” When you develop assertiveness skills, conflict resolution becomes easier and less anxiety-provoking. Sharing your worries out loud can make them feel less overwhelming.