Whether you’re dating someone who always seems to be angry, or you’re in a relationship with someone who just can’t seem to stop fighting, unhealthy conflict in a relationship is a serious issue that can damage your mental health and cause irreparable harm to the relationship. It’s important to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict so you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
Healthy Conflict
In a healthy relationship, couples are able to discuss and resolve their differences in a constructive and respectful manner. While all relationships experience conflicts, it’s how they are handled that can make or break the relationship. Healthy conflict is a normal part of any relationship and can be used as a tool to increase intimacy, deepen understanding, and grow together.
Unhealthy Conflict
When a couple is experiencing unhealthy conflict, the focus becomes “winning” the argument rather than coming to a solution that respects each person’s needs. It is important to remember that there is no point in arguing if you’re going to belittle your partner or insult their feelings. In addition, it is important to pick your fights and only raise the issues that really matter to you.
One way to learn how to handle unhealthy conflict in your relationship is to seek out the help of a professional therapist, either individually or with your partner. The guidance a therapist can provide will help you both understand how to communicate more effectively and manage your emotions during an argument so that you’re able to reach a compromise that works for everyone. unhealthy conflict in a relationship