5 Great Tips for Resolving Conflict
Conflict and disagreements are a natural part of growing up, and can happen between you and your friends, your parents, your teachers– really, anyone. The important thing is to communicate in a way that is respectful and positive. Here are some suggestions for how to do that:
If you’re feeling really sad or angry, take time to cool off before trying to talk through the problem.
Don’t listen to argue. Instead, try to really understand what the other person is saying (even rephrase it back to them) before responding.
If you find yourself in a disagreement with someone, never belittle them or name-call. You will never figure stuff out if the other person feels hurt or attacked.
Make eye contact, and don’t roll your eyes or sigh. Make sure your body language is respectful. If you’re having a disagreement with a parent or teacher, they’re going to take it as a sign that you’re not looking for a real solution, and it will keep you guys from understanding each other.
Use “I” statements. If your friend did something that hurt your feelings, instead of saying, “You did this”, say, “I felt really badly when x.” This keeps your friend from feeling blamed and allows them to open up and feel more empathetic about the pain they may have caused.