Conflict: The Nemesis of Relationships

Conflict is a natural part of any marriage, but it doesn't have to be a negative thing. In fact, conflict can actually be a good thing for your marriage if it's managed correctly.

Unfortunately, many couples don't know how to handle conflict healthily. As a result, they end up arguing all the time, which leads to resentment and eventually divorce.

If you're struggling with managing conflict in your marriage, here are some tips that can help:

1. 1. Communicate openly and honestly with each other.
   Avoiding conflict will only make things worse in the long run. If you have something on your mind, tell your spouse about it. This will help you resolve any issues before they become significant problems.
2. 2. Listen to each other.
   To resolve any conflict, you must first understand what the other person is saying. So, make sure you're really listening to your spouse when they're talking to you.
3. 3. Be respectful of each other's opinions.
   Just because you disagree with your spouse doesn't mean you have to disrespect their opinion. Marriage is all about compromise, so try to see things from their perspective and be willing to meet in the middle.
4. 4. Avoid attacking each other.
   When you're in the heat of an argument, it's easy to say things that you don't mean. But these hurtful words can do a lot of damage to your marriage. So instead of attacking each other, try to focus on the issue at hand.
5. 5. Take some time to cool down.
   If you're feeling angry or frustrated, it's probably not a good idea to try and resolve the conflict right away. Take some time to calm down first, and then you can return to the discussion when you're both ready.
6. 6. Seek professional help if needed.
   If you're having difficulty managing conflict in your marriage, don't be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you both how to communicate with each other better and how to resolve any differences you may have.

Chris Cambas, LMFT, Certified Gottman Therapist & Trainer, Relationship Expert, Co-Founder of CoupleStrong
CEO of National Marriage Seminars & The Practice Startup.