Confrontation is a lot easier said than done — it’s uncomfortable and just downright difficult. But, it doesn’t always have to be. Instead, why not view it as an opportunity to be honest with the other party so you can patch up any disagreements?
Here are some tips to dealing with the inevitable conflicts life throws at you. Trust us, being straight up might be your best bet!
1. A face-to-face conversation is best.
If that’s not an option, a phone call should be your second choice. When a conversation takes place via text or social media, it’s easy to misconstrue a person’s intentions because body language and eye contact can’t be read through a text or Facebook message. So schedule a time to meet when confronting someone.
2. Don’t attack or focus on being right.
When dealing with a sticky situation, the worst thing you can do is focus on why you’re right and why the other person is wrong. Even if you’re 100 percent right, avoid making this case. Instead, be honest and explain why you’re bothered and explain how the other person’s actions made you feel. Stating how someone’s actions hurt, disappointed, or angered you fosters a healthier environment than when you point fingers.
3. Listen, acknowledge, and repeat.
Just as it’s important for you to be honest and open, it’s also important to allow the other person to do the same. When the other person communicates their issues, listen (like…really listen). Validate that person’s experiences by repeating back what they said and acknowledging their feelings.
4. Choose to forgive.
Once you have stated your piece and listened to the other person, this is the time to choose to forgive. Regardless of whether there is an apology or not, it is on you whether or not you will move on from the conflict. Holding grudges only creates a barrier to better communication in the future.
5. Learn and move on.
From every conflict, there’s a lesson to be learned. Can you learn to be more honest? Can you pay more attention to how your actions affect this person? Can you listen more and speak less? Take the lessons you can from the situation so you know what to do the next time a similar situation arises.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
