[CHAT]: How to deal with conflict in relationships
Conflict is a normal part of any relationship. Differences in opinions, expectations, values, roles, interests and overall misunderstandings are all reasons why conflict might develop with the people in our lives.
Conflict is not only a common part of romantic relationships, but it definitely happens in families and friendships. We might argue with a partner, disagree with family members over changing roles and wanting more independence, or have fights with friends. Sometimes these conflicts can be face-to-face, and sometimes they can be more subtle (posting things online, saying things to other friends etc).
There are many ways that we can handle conflict, some healthier than others. How do we know how to handle conflicts, particularly when we’re so convinced that the other person is definitely in the wrong? What should we do if conflict escalates (or what can we do to prevent this from happening)? And what should we watch out for as warning signs for a toxic or abusive relationship?
Join myself and @ClCl at on Monday 18th of July at 8pm AEST to talk about strategies for managing conflict in our relationships.
@ClCl well, while i think it's possible to have a conflict free relationship, i don't think it would be a very good or healthy relationship. I think sometimes people have trouble making their needs known or communicating assertively if they're misunderstood. If two people are in a relationship and facing that challenge, then well, you might have a conflict free relationship! Unfortunately it's really hard to know what another person needs if they can't communicate that to you and sometimes there's a bit of conflict in communication, so i'd say a conflict free relationship is a not very happy relationship on anything other than the most shallow layers 😞
Is all conflict bad? Or can there be positives to conflict?
Hmm it seems to me like we all think conflict has its positives! Perhaps it's a paricular type of conflict that has it's up sides? I think there's conflict that doesn't really have a positive, for example if there's threats of harm, intimidation of violence, then it's not okay conflict and i don't really think there's a positive to it!
Hey @Chrissyabd thanks for joining us tonight! Not late at all, don't worry. 
Hey @j95 and @redhead! Great to see you tonight
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
I’m not entirely sure if relationships can be entirely free of conflict, but some conflicts can be more severe than others. I have friendships where I have never fought with the other person, BUT we may have had minor disagreements. In other relationships (at work or school for example) there might be conflict in the form of misunderstanding what the other person is saying. In my experience, conflict can be a normal (and actually healthy) part of some relationships.
Hey guys,
I've just joined in, sorry I'm late, what aspect of conflicts are we talking about now?
Hi @Chrissyabd !
No need to apologise 🙂
So far we are talking about:
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
What do you think?
Thanks 🙂
I personally think that there is no such things as conflict-free relationships, so long as two different people are involved there is bound to be challenging of opinions, values, perspectives, ideas etc. I think conflict is a normal part of any relationship, in fact it's probably healthy to a certain degree as it pushes one to try and gain different insight or perspective, grows one personally and allows for interesting points of discussion. It can however become destructive, and I think it reaches that point when pride and arrogance consume an individual..
I'm currently dealing with a friendship that's falling apart because of exactly this..
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
I reckon there is, it's the sort of relationship you want to worry about!
Hi everyone! Welcome to tonight's GR chat about conflict in relationships. @ClCl are super excited to tackle this topic with you all, and looking forward to a valuable/meaningful discussion.
As always, please remember our community guidelines during the discussion tonight.
Tonight's discussion may be a liiittle bit more on the serious side of things, so if at any point tonight you feel distressed or like you need to talk to someone, please contact KHL (1800 55 1800), Lifeline (13 11 14) or 1800 RESPECT.
Let's get started! Our first question tonight is:
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
I don't believe so.
Is there such a thing as a conflict-free relationship?
I think not. But I see it as though there are relationships with toxic conflict and reasonable conflict. It depends on the intention, regularity and handling of the conflict on everyone behalf as to which category (within the spectrum) it falls into.
I don't think so, all relationships have some sort of conflict
