Emotional Qualities that Support Sustained Relational Respect Even During Conflict
Conflicts are an inevitable part of every relationship. It is often said that couples argue about three main things: money, sex, and children. These topics can be challenging to discuss, but they must be addressed if the couple wants their relationship to continue. Emotional maturity is required for resolving conflicts effectively. This means that both partners need to have certain qualities that support sustained relational respect even during conflict.
The first quality is openness. Couples who want to resolve conflicts effectively should be willing to listen to each other's point of view. They should allow each person to express themselves without interrupting or judging them. Openness also involves accepting the validity of different perspectives. Partners may see things differently due to their background, experiences, or values. By acknowledging this difference, they can find common ground instead of arguing about which one is right.
A second important quality is self-awareness. This means being aware of your own emotions and reactions to situations.
You might get defensive when your partner criticizes something you did wrong. If you know yourself well enough, you will recognize that this reaction comes from a place of shame rather than anger. When you understand your emotions better, you can communicate them more clearly and respond appropriately.
Empathy is another essential quality. Empathy involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and trying to understand how they feel. You don't necessarily agree with their feelings, but you try to imagine what it would be like to experience those feelings. Empathy helps you connect with your partner on an emotional level and show that you care about them as a person. It also makes it easier to hear what they are saying because you know where they are coming from.
Flexibility is a related quality. Flexible people are able to change their opinions based on new information. Suppose you originally thought one way about a topic but then heard evidence that changed your mind. Being flexible allows you to adjust your position accordingly. Flexibility also prevents partners from becoming entrenched in their positions, which can make conflicts worse.
Kindness is critical during conflict resolution. Kindness doesn't mean avoiding disagreements altogether - that would just lead to resentment down the road. Instead, kindness means choosing your words carefully and speaking respectfully even when expressing displeasure or disappointment. Partners who remain civil during arguments are less likely to say hurtful things that could damage the relationship permanently.
Couples need certain qualities to resolve conflicts effectively. Openness, self-awareness, empathy, flexibility, and kindness all contribute to sustained relational respect even during conflict. When both partners have these qualities, they are more likely to find common ground and work together towards a solution.
What emotional qualities support sustained relational respect even during conflict?
Research has shown that maintaining sustained relational respect requires individuals to exhibit certain emotional qualities such as empathy, compassion, honesty, patience, and understanding. These qualities enable individuals to recognize their partner's feelings, show concern for their well-being, communicate effectively, listen actively, and respond appropriately.