It is fascinating how many similarities we all share regarding conflicts and problems in disconnected or connected relationships. Couples fall into the same types of habits over time. Of course, all couples are unique in some respects due to the various situations and events they have encountered throughout their time together. But our natural “humanity” seems to group these patterns of conflict together.

Rather than show the common mistakes couples make, let’s look at the positive side; the patterns or themes couples demonstrate when they maintain close, connected relationships.

Couples in stable, happy, connected relationships:

  •  Are not “ok with fighting.”

They realize there is a difference between fights and conflict. Fighting means they have high escalation and negativity toward each other and feel like enemies, not friends and lovers. They hurt each other every time they fight. Conflict, however, is seen as a normal thing everyone will have in their relationship. They realize underneath every problem, issue, or complaint, there is a deeper longing, need, or desire. So they work toward caring for their partner first, expressing generosity for each other, and finding compromise and solutions.

James 4:1 asks the question: “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” The answer: “Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

Conflict always comes from a deeper need, but we have a choice to “fight” about it,

or work together to meet the needs of our partner.

 

  • Don’t fall into the “communication traps.”

There are four wastes of time in communicating that is typical for many couples. They tend to talk about the wrong things, like:

1) Who’s right and who’s wrong? It’s a fact that a small percentage of things couples have conflict about are moral issues. They are not about right or wrong; they are about differences, perspectives, opinions, wants, and needs. Strong relationships learn to honor differences!

2) Who’s at fault or to blame? This is not the focus necessary for working through issues together or caring for your partner. Blame is the discharge of pain and discomfort. The problem is it also means defensive walls go up. Blame has an inverse relationship with responsibility.

3) What really happened? Let’s face it. Most of us will hear the exact same words, and see the same faces and behavior, but have a completely different meaning of what happened. So when you talk about who did what or said what, you would continue to just go round and round.

4) What’s the solution? Trying to find a solution is not the right focus. At least NOT until both feel they are loved and cared for. After we think our partner wants to work together and cares for our feelings and opinions, we are open to finding solutions to problems.

  •  Have “safe,” connected relationships

What do we mean by safety? It can mean physical safety, but it is often about feeling emotionally or relationally safe. Safety sounds like:

  • -I know my partner cares about me
  • -My feelings, ideas, and concerns matter
  • -We honor one another
  • -Our differences are allowed and valued
  • -We each do our part to build trust in our relationship
  • -I can have space if I need it
  • -I feel effective
  • -Anger is not out of control
  • -I don’t feel judgment, but understanding and compassion
  • -We feel like partners, not enemies
  • -I can be open and vulnerable with my spouse
  • Talk and try to understand at a “deeper level.”

We must convey to our partners that they have been heard and understood. “Understood” means you’ve let your feelings be influenced, not just that you’ve thought about what they said. For couples who don’t want to be enemies, this means waiting to discuss a compromise until each person can state their partner’s position to the other partner’s satisfaction. In other words, they hear their partner’s position, feelings, and needs. They talk about their feelings (not ‘what happened’) and what is important to them. And they state their position in terms of a positive need.

  • “Repair” miscommunications or arguments

They come back and deal with the hard things that got them crossways. Just moving on when difficult events take place means that things get buried. But they will resurface again and again. Connected couples use a structure to help them talk about underlying feelings and subjective realities, as well as help them take responsibility for their part. They identify their feelings, state their view of the events, they validate some part of their partner’s view of the events, they take individual responsibility for their role in the fight or miscommunication, and identify what they could do differently next time.

WANT TO GO DEEPER? You can develope a more confident and satisfying relationship with this free mini-workshop. It’s time to take action! Learn 3 core ways to connect with your spouse and become a connected couple for life! Sign up here for our free Brain/Heart Connection mini course.

Check out more themes couples have in common next week:

Are intentional with their “time together”

Are careful “how they respond” to one another

Have more “heart talk” than “work talk.”

“Get help” before it’s too late

Have the right “attitude” in the relationship

PS The Brain/Heart Connection can help you overcome the mediocre, mundane relationship you currently tolerate in your marriage. Join us for three short videos plus actionable worksheets to reconnect to how God created you and use that unique ability to be the best for you and your marriage. Join Today – no obligation or cc required.