Disagreements are inevitable. No matter how good or careful you are, there will come a time when you might not agree with someone else’s ideas, opinions or actions, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague at work.
But when a disagreement happens, most of us tend to sweep it under the rug because our feelings are hurt, or we just want to avoid a confrontation.
The problem is; an unsolved conflict can balloon into bigger problems that could affect your mental health. So, before things get worse, here are some tips on how you can handle disagreements more effectively:
Acknowledge the disagreement.
The first step to solving any conflict is validating that there is one. Each person is entitled to his opinion, and that might not be in line with yours.
It doesn’t mean, however, that you have to disgrace the other person’s opinion because you don’t agree with it. Recognize that there is a disagreement between both parties and work on ways to solve it.
Don’t compare.
Many times, a disagreement stems from something that’s been said or done in the present that you’ve already experienced in the past. This triggers an instant emotional reaction that could start the disagreement. But you need to learn how to look beyond those personal triggers.
Think about how this situation is in the present, and what happened in the past isn’t related to it in any away. That will help you deal with the conflict more effectively because there’s less emotional attachment involved.
Seek to listen and understand.
One of the biggest challenges in resolving a conflict is the lack of willingness to listen and understand from one or both parties. But if you are to handle a disagreement, you should try to understand the other person’s point of view.
It is the only way for you to come to a compromise or common ground to settle your conflict for the sake of your relationship, whether it’s professional or personal.
Stop looking for differences.
The first step to resolving any type of disagreement is to find a common ground between the two parties. Focusing on differences will only wide the gap between you and the other party.
So, if you want to end the disagreement, try to find a point that you can agree on, even if it means that you have to make some compromises.
Be responsible for your own feelings.
When you’re at the height of your anger or disappointment, it’s so easy to make excuses, point blame and make accusations to other people. But oftentimes, a conflict only lasts long because of the emotions involved in it.
So, if you want to go past this disagreement and move on without destroying your relationship with the other person, it’s important to take full responsibility for your own feelings. You have to acknowledge how you may have caused the other person any disappointment or hurt because of what you said or did during the argument.
By being honest with yourself, it would be easier for you to come to a settlement with the other party.
Commit yourself to a resolution.
Even the simplest disagreement can already take a toll on you emotionally and psychologically. You might have a hard time functioning properly, and it can balloon into bigger problems eventually.
But before you think about walking out on a relationship with someone you’ve had a disagreement with, you need to ask yourself if that conflict is worth destroying what you built with that person.
If it’s not, then commit yourself to making sure that the other party understands that you want to resolve the conflict and continue to nurture your relationship.
You might still not understand the other person’s opinion or actions, but you need to keep that separate to focus on resolving what is happening.
You will encounter a disagreement at some point in your life, but it should never hinder you from living a good life just because you don’t agree with someone else’s actions, ideas or opinions.
It’s all about knowing which battles to fight and which to just let be. Your mental health is more precious than anything, after all.
