Conflict is a part of life: conflict at school (That's my seat!), conflict at home (Do we have to watch this?) and conflict at work (I'm doing all the work!). But conflict isn't necessarily bad if you know how to deal with it. Handled well, conflict strengthens a relationship. Handled poorly, it causes resentment. Here are six tips to help you conquer life's daily battles.
Deal with conflict quickly
Most conflict situations are unpleasant, so it's tempting to avoid dealing with them. But conflicts don't resolve themselves, and often get worse if you let them fester. That's why it's important to deal with conflict quickly - ideally on the same day it occurs. The key is to focus not on how you feel, but on how best to resolve the issue.
Listen to the other person
When people disagree, they often try to out-talk each other. As the argument progresses, no one is really listening, and finding a solution becomes impossible. Instead of focusing on yourself, stop and listen to the other person - even if you don't agree. Respect their viewpoint and ask questions if you don't understand - someone has to take the first step towards a solution.
Watch what you say