No matter how hard I sometimes try to BITE MY LIP and take the high road, or to even sublimate my feelings- sometimes the ONLY THING you can do is GET INTO IT.
For instance no matter how many times I tell my husband not to leave his dirty clothes on the floor and to rinse the dishes out before he puts them in the dishwasher, my requests fall on deaf ears. Unfortunately, when I call him out on his behavior he shrugs and tells me to stop nagging him. His ambivalent attitude in turn simply fuels my frustration with him and his disregard for my feelings.
He says, “What’s the big deal, it’s just dishes?” And while on the surface it may seem like a small issue, I feel if something is important to me no matter how big or small it is it should be on his priority list. While I resist the temptation to bang some sense into his thick skull with my frying pan, I’m simply unable to hold back my criticism of his apathetic attitude towards my needs. A few insults are hurled and a fight ensues.
If (like me) there are certain situations in your marriage in which you feel a fight is unavoidable, try these ideas, from one of my FAVORITE experts Tina B. Tessina, PhD (aka Dr. Romance), psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage (Adams Media 2008) for finding a win-win resolution:
#1 Remember the point of the fight is to reach a solution, not to win, be right, or make your partner wrong.
#2 Don’t bring up all the prior problems that relate to this one. Leave the past in the past; keep this about one recent problem. Solve one thing at a time.
#3 Don’t talk too much at once. Keep your statements to two or three sentences. Your partner will not be able to grasp more than that.
#4 State your problem as a request, not a demand. To make it a positive request, use I messages and please.
#5 Don’t use power struggle tactics: guilt and obligation, threats and emotional blackmail, courtroom logic: peacekeeping, sacrificing, or hammering away are off limits.
#6 Know your facts: If you’re going to fight for something, know the facts about the problem: Do research, find out what options are available, and know how you feel and what would solve the problem for you.
#7 Ask for changes in behavior, don’t criticize character, ethics or morals.
#8 Don’t fight over who’s right or wrong. Opinions are opinions, and that won’t solve the problem. Instead, focus on what will work.
#9 Ask your partner if he or she has anything to add to the discussion. Is there anything else we need to discuss now?
#10 Don’t guess what your partner is thinking or feeling. Instead, ask. What do you think? Or how do you feel about it?
#11 Hold hands, look at each other, and remember you’re partners.
#12 If you’re angry, express it calmly. I’m angry about….There’s no need for drama, and it won’t get you what you want. Anger is satisfied by being acknowledged, and by creating change. Anger is a normal emotion. rage is phony, it’s drama created by not taking care of yourself.
#13 Acknowledge and honor your partner’s feelings. don’t deflect them, laugh at them or freak out. They’re only feelings, and they subside when respected, heard and honored. *Listen with your whole self. Paraphrase what your partner says; check to see if you understand by repeating what is said. So you are angry because you think I ignored you. Is that right?
#14 If you want to let off steam (vent), ask permission or take a time out. Handle your excess emotion or energy by being active (run, walk, hit a pillow,) writing, or talking to someone who is not part of the problem. Don’t direct it personally at anyone. You can’t vent and solve problems at the same time.
#15 Don’t try to solve a problem if you’re impaired: tired, hungry, drunk or unstable.
#16 Surrender to your responsibility. When you become aware that you have made a mistake, admit it and apologize. Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
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