It’s said that opposites attract — but differences in relationships can sometimes negatively affect the relationship.

If personality, cultural, ideological or any other differences are causing conflict in your relationship, you’ll want to find ways to work through it.

Small differences become big ones, so those little messy habits or communication styles can quickly lead to differences and spiral into heated arguments.

But you don’t have to let it get to that point.

Working through these differences can help you develop empathy and understanding of your partner. You want to identify and address differences in communication in your relationship.

Have Strategies and Boundaries to Prevent Escalation in Arguments.

Perhaps you argue a lot and aren’t able to see each other’s point of view. You’re trying to make your point, but the next thing you know voices are raised, you and/or your partner shut down or your partner just doesn’t understand what you are trying to say.

This is why having a few good communication strategies will help you and your partner find common ground.

Make sure that you:

  • Say your points from an “I” perspective without offending and listen to your partner’s points without defending.
  • Take a time out and cool off until you can both speak without heightened emotions.
  • Be sure that the point is to come to an understanding, not to argue more, you can always agree to disagree.

If you can do these things, your communication can improve. Take time with your partner and discuss how to integrate these rules/boundaries into your relationship to help prevent misunderstandings or escalation in arguments.

Speak to a Counselor

If you or your partner have difficulty resolving conflict or your situation doesn’t seem to be improving, you can benefit from counseling. Counselors can help you develop effective communication strategies and work through issues that are getting in the way of having a satisfying relationship. Relationships are hard and take a lot of patience, work and time. Contact us to learn more about our services.