Sometimes we might find ourselves in high-pressure situations with our spouse or co-workers, leading to heated arguments and conflict. When we feel under attack, it is easy to become defensive and want to counterattack. Here is a quick guide to managing conflict.
Don’t take the conflict personally.
The person you are in conflict with might be stressed, tired or angry with someone or something else. Recognise and acknowledge their anger but see it as something separate from you. It is their anger, not yours. Sometimes, people mistakenly believe that if someone is angry with them, they don’t like them. This might not be the case.
Don’t raise your voice.
If you are being shouted at, speak in a calm voice. If you shout, the conflict will only elevate. If you are relaxed, it takes the threat away, and the other person feels less defensive.
Acknowledge
Acknowledge what the other person is saying. Conflict triggers the fight, flight or freeze system. It is hard to listen when someone is angry because of this. Do your best to acknowledge what the other person is trying to say. For example:
“I understand that you are angry. It was not my intention to upset you.”
Underlying needs
Look for underlying needs. Sometimes people are upset because they feel like their needs are not being met. For example, if someone is angry because you forgot their birthday, the underlying need might be to know that you care or value them.
Calming down
Don’t give your opinion until the other person has calmed down. As noted above, people cannot hear when they are in fight or flight mode. When both of you are calm, you can speak more rationally to each other.
Acknowledge your own feelings
Acknowledge how the conflict makes you feel and state it when the other person is in a place to hear it. For example:
“I felt scared when you raised your voice at me.”
“I felt sad when you thought that I didn’t care about you.”
“I felt rejected when you pushed me away when I tried to hug you.”
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Although I am a registered clinical psychologist with the Hong Kong Society of Counseling and Psychology, I am not a licensed psychologist or any other type of licensed therapist in the United States. The information I am providing here is educational and informational. This social media page does not provide professional advice, nor does it create a professional-client relationship or any other type of relationship between us. You should always consult your own licensed mental health professional before making any changes regarding your mental health. My goal is to educate, guide, consult, and empower you regarding your mental health journey. Always consult your licensed mental healthcare provider(s) and never disregard or delay medical advice based on information posted on this page or post.