I have never handled conflict well.
I either run from it at all costs or I rush into it with accusatory, hurtful words. My default reactions are not beneficial to my marriage but are quite destructive. I realized the other day that I cannot blame my personality, my childhood, or even my husband for my poor style of conflict resolution. I must take responsibility for my failures in this incredibly important area of marriage. Every single marriage will experience conflict, and those times can either be restoring and refreshing or harmful and hostile.
I want the former!
I want our arguments to bring us closer to each other and to the Lord.
As I was reflecting on this desire, I spent some time recounting a few of my most painful arguments with my husband and compared those memories to some of our more successful resolutions. As I dissected our victories and failures, I created a list of top-ten conflict tips that I want to remember throughout our marriage. I am sharing that list with one of my favorite marriage ministries, Pressure Points.
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