Build Conflict-Free Family Relationships

There is a solution to every problem and remember that you can reinstate the cordial atmosphere around you yourself.

-HH Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj

Today’s life is rife with stress, fear, and insecurity. Many people are dealing with various family problems including, economic challenges, emotional challenges, and other negative circumstances. Due to insecurities, each family member is focused on self-interest losing sight of the goal of a family which is love, harmony, and mutual respect. 

Moreover, before the COVID-19 situation, people had active lives. They were involved in productive works but now the pandemic has changed everything. Many people are staying at home sometimes without any job leading to psychological and social problems including family conflicts. Apart from the spread of negativity at home and various other bad outcomes, family conflicts may result in the weakening of the immune system as well putting people at risk of various diseases.

Therefore, it is always advisable to find a workable solution to conflicts. Family members should be compassionate towards each other. They should introspect on the positive outcomes of a strong family connection and everyone must make an effort to cross thru this pandemic with ease with the help of the tender touch of love and understanding.

And for that, family members should mix with each other earnestly and communicate positively to avoid conflicts.

Role of Communication in Conflict Resolution

No matter what the reason for conflicts is, they can be resolved and handled effectively with better communication.

When you communicate effectively you develop empathy towards other family members and the issues they are facing. You may disagree with their opinion, but still, they would probably be on the right path. Further, you may find a reason to value their perspective. 

You should communicate to listen carefully and speak with respect. Be aware of language that is arrogant or unconcerned. Choose your words carefully showing attachment with your family members. Your gestures and postures have the power to deliver a long-lasting solution that will end the conflict.

Remember, the intent is everything in resolving conflicts!

Build an Environment for Healthy Communication

For a healthy relationship, family members should communicate openly with each other and for that build a positive family environment. Such an environment is not built in a day. It is a constant process and elders play a big role here. Talk about the problems in the family, and about positive aspects so no one feels like everything is wrong in the family. Have open unbiased conversations about crucial aspects like financial issues, problems related to health, emotional issues, and dilemmas, etc. 

If everyone in the family has a habit of making points with clarity and patience, conflicts will not last for long in such families.

Shun Prejudice

Prejudice is a negative virtue. It refers to the thoughts, beliefs, and feelings you may hold about the other person. Prejudice is not based on your own experiences; instead, it is a bias, originating outside real experience and it is untrue. For effective communication to resolve conflicts you must not assume things on your own and overreact. 

First listen carefully, without any prejudice, to what the other person has to say and then take a decision. Mutual respect is very important for talking, listening, and reaching a solution. 

Always offer Cooperation

Do not try to defeat the other person in the argument rather look for solutions that meet everybody’s needs. It will become possible only through cooperation. 

There is always a chance of compromise through communication for bringing a creative solution to any problem in the family and relationships. Healthy communication can lead to a positive solution that may make everybody in the family satisfied.

Keep Anger Away while Communicating

Talk with a calm mind and never let anger dominate the communication. Anger is always dangerous. It is like a fire that can destroy relationships. Whatever you do under the influence of anger, remember it will take the form of a devil. It may harm anyone else or not but will surely destroy you.  It can also drive people away. You may want to connect and be heard, but when anger is involved, the result is often zilch. 

Aggression in any form is the biggest obstacle in healthy communication. If you feel yourself or other family members starting to get angry, it is best to step away from the discussion for some time. Always be positive, adjusting, and forgiving, and you will be able to smother the fire of anger.

So, keep some space in relationships for healthy communication. It brings family members together on a single platform for an agreeable solution to any conflict. And such a conflict-free relationship is the cornerstone of a happy family and society.