How to Resolve Avoidance Conflict

Conflict avoidance is a natural reaction to conflict in relationships. You may think avoiding conflict is the best way to keep relationships with loved ones sailing smoothly, but avoiding issues will only magnify them over time. Developing positive relationships with spouses, friends, parents, siblings and coworkers all depend on the ability to deal with people who may prefer to avoid difficult topics and discussions. It's important to understand that conflict can't be avoided, because we all have different perspectives, values and needs.

Instructions

• 1

  Communicate with the right amount of assertiveness. Communicate your needs and feelings clearly, while treating one another with respect. Make every effort to avoid profanity, name-calling and other abusive tactics.

• 2

  Seek professional help. Depending on the severity of the conflict, you may need a professional therapist to help you sort through any issues and overcome conflict avoidance.

• 3

  Empathize with one another. Listen to one another and make an effort to see the other person's point of view. If you still don't understand the other's position in the conflict, ask for clarification.

• 4

  Save serious discussions until the time is right. Experts agree that the wrong time to engage in conflict resolution is when a person is hungry, tired, angry, stressed or lonely.