WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL IN A RELATIONSHIP?

LEARNING HOW TO MANAGE CONFRONTATIONS, OF COURSE!!!

You can have a lot of grief in your interactions with a friend, or a loved one, going your way to a fast deterioration of the good feelings you had in the first period of the relationship, or you can get to know useful tricks to manage differences. Because fights are inevitable, it's better to be prepared and know how to difusse hostility, build bridges and promote understanding.

Conflict Resolution Model

The Conflict Resolution Model is one method you can use to act assertively. It involves five steps that can easily be memorized.

1) Identifying the Problem. This step involves identifying the specific problem that is causing the conflict (e.g., a friend’s not being on time when you come to pick him or her up.

2) Identifying the Feelings. In this step, you identify the feelings associated with the conflict (e.g., frustration, hurt, or annoyance).

3) Identifying the Specific Impact. This step involves identifying the specific impact or outcome of the problem that is causing the conflict (e.g., being late for the meeting that you and your friend plan to attend).

4) Deciding Whether To Resolve the Conflict. This step involves deciding whether to resolve the conflict or let it go. In other words, is the conflict important enough to bring up?

5) Addressing and Resolving the Conflict. In this step, you set up a time to address the conflict, describe how you perceive it, express your feelings about it, and discuss how it can be resolved. Then, come up with the best solution, decide who is going to do what, and end with a handshake.