By Christopher Barger, LPC
When we reflect on our lives, few topics resonate as deeply as our relationships with others.
Connection is a fundamental aspect of our lives and significantly contributes to our overall well-being.
We share achievements together, navigate adversity and challenges, and inevitably encounter conflict in the relationships we have with others.
While no relationship is without its imperfections, it is important to find healthy ways to cope when a relationship is far from the ideal.
So how can effectively manage turbulence in our relationships?
I considered a few of the most important and healthy coping strategies that promote emotional health and prevent impulsive reactions that could prove detrimental.
Let’s discuss three of the most important healthy coping strategies to implement and use to elevate your relationships.
Three Healthy Coping Strategies to Use In Relationships
Assertive Communication
Although it’s a fundamental aspect of relationship dynamics, mastering assertive communication can be challenging.
As human beings, we are capable of feeling emotions intensely and this can, at times, be especially true in close relationships, which may lead to defensiveness or reactivity.
Assertive Communication is not only about articulating your message clearly and respectfully but also includes being an attentive listener.
This means avoiding cutting a person off, refraining from interrupting, or talking over others.
Demonstrating understanding of what others are sharing by reflecting back what someone has said can be helpful, by validating their feelings and making them feel heard, we can foster a healthier dialogue.
Setting Boundaries
Boundaries are often misunderstood as rigid, unwavering guidelines we should not be willing to adjust for anyone.
However, consider viewing boundaries as flexible guidelines that allow for compromise, which is essential in any relationship.
It’s uncommon for two people to have identical boundaries, but with assertive communication, both sides can express their needs and work toward a mutually agreeable solution.
For example, in managing household responsibilities, differing expectations can arise.
A willingness to adjust individual boundaries in the interest of collaboration can help establish a joint understanding that respects both parties.
Activity/Taking Time/Reflection
I have many times, heard individuals verbalize to me that they feel they should never go to bed angry at another person.
However, how realistic is this expectation?
Some issues require more time to process and reflect upon.
Embracing the need for space to gather thoughts and assess the significance of an issue is a healthy coping strategy in relationships.
To avoid doing so puts us in a greater position to be reactive when we may not have completely processed our feelings or our thoughts.
Engaging in activities, seeking emotional outlets that can provide an emotional release, or reaching out to supportive friends or family members can provide the ability to cope while engaging in a relationship.
This allows us to return to the issue with a clearer mindset, better equipped to engage in constructive communication.
In Conclusion
Healthy relationships require effort, patience, and intentional strategies to navigate challenges effectively.
Implementing these healthy coping strategies by fostering assertive communication, setting and respecting flexible boundaries, and allowing time for reflection, we can build stronger connections and address conflicts in ways that promote emotional well-being.
Relationships may never be perfect, but by embracing these healthy coping mechanisms, we can create a foundation of understanding, trust, and mutual respect.
Remember, the goal is not to avoid turbulence altogether but to learn how to manage it constructively to strengthen your bonds over time.
Links to Resources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3342694/
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/relationship-conflict-resolution
