Conflict is normal because everyone has different backgrounds and viewpoints. Whether it’s with work, friends, family or partners, some type of opposition is inevitable.
To inform students about how to resolve conflict with others, the ULM Counseling Center gave a workshop on how to do just that. The speaker and counselor, Brittina Johnson, spoke about tips and gave advice on how to be better at resolving problems within yourself and with the person at hand.
“I just recently had a conflict with a previous roommate of mine because of misunderstanding,” said Grace Srichantra, a graduate communication major.
The inability to understand the viewpoint of someone else, blaming the other person for the whole problem and/or not communicating how you feel are inappropriate ways of dealing with conflict, according to Johnson.
Really listening, to the other person and not just hearing as well as responding after they have spoken will improve the problem. If there are some things that do not make sense, ask questions to better comprehend what they are feeling.
“I always make a compromise to communicate no matter the situation. To not judge my partner even though we may have different opinions,” said Zekeedra Long, a pre-medical laboratory science major.
Holding on to grudges and past troubles will not help with finding out how to fix the discordance of a relationship. When the actions of the person you are having conflicts with happens more than once, talk to them about it then. Waiting for them to figure out why you are upset is like waiting for true world peace.
“I’m not that assertive when it comes to disagreements, so I try to avoid them” said Jeremy Bustarde, a nursing major. “I came here to learn ways on how to talk to people I might have trouble with.”
Recognizing, controlling and managing your emotions stops you from exploding when it is difficult to find a compromise. Nonverbal communication is even more important. Being standoffish, having a ballistic attitude or having snarling facial expressions gives off vibes that will make getting to a common ground harder.
“Express feelings in words, not actions,” Johnson said.
This advice is easy to know but takes more willpower to put into action.