There’s no doubt that in this life, we’re going to have disagreements and contention points. Friendships, relationships, professional settings, and almost anywhere. There’s really no limit to the potential of conflict. In fact, people can stay in conflict all day long if they want to browsing the news, the stories, or getting involved in controversial posts on platforms.
At some point, it’s about preserving our own peace. For this entry today I am thinking more about relationships. There are people that will tell you that they’re good communicators and they may point out others that are not good at communicating at all. It’s even been said that men are not great at communication which when I hear this misconception, I think to myself… Not so fast!
Being willing to communicate often means being willing to listen. It doesn’t mean being willing to speak what’s on your mind. Anyone can do that, although not everyone does it carefully. The best communication is done with the intent of compromise and in the headspace of empathy (attempted or naturally). Being willing to listen and taking it a step further by being willing to understand. Listening to try to fully understand versus just listening so you can have your turn to share what’s on your mind.
And while I’m no expert on any of these things, it’s clear to me that if you want to avoid major conflict relationally, it’s important to know how to compromise and it’s important to be willing to listen.
And while it’s true the conflict may come first before the compromise and communication does, from what I can tell, if two people are willing to go there and meet each other halfway then it would seem that the avoidance of future conflict or worsening present conflict would be reduced.
Sometimes unilateral unwillingness to lose your peace can be very powerful in dissipating conflict. Taking a stand against the contention by standing strong in your willingness to listen. Conflict, Communication and Compromise seem to fit together very well after all. Especially if you want to move forward.
Dedicated Purpose 