Many situations in our lives can be full of tension and stress. We have arguments, conflicts, fights and confrontations. For many of us, these are an everyday occurrence. For many of us, they are rare.
It is easy to get into a pattern of “tit for tat”, keeping score, as well as who is right and who is wrong. That can be exhausting, to say the least. Why is it so important that we are the ones who are right? Why do we just HAVE to have it our way? Do we leave any room for the other person to have their own opinion or are we so self-focused that our opinion is the only one that matters? Like Dr. Phil says, “How’s that workin’ for ya?”
When we have a confrontation, are we more interested in getting what we want than reaching a fair resolution/compromise and preserving the relationship? Hmmmmmm. Something to think about today.
Here are some ideas of how you can be the one to “take the high road” during a confrontation.
1) What is this argument really about? Look at the “whys behind the whats”. (ie. Is this less about the immediate topic and more about someone feeling betrayed?)
2) Are you listening more than talking? Are you truly hearing the heart of the other person or do you care to?
3) The louder they get, the quieter you should become. Nothing positive is accomplished by yelling at each other back and forth.
4) Once someone says something hurtful, it resides on the heart of the other person, whether you apologize or not. QUESTION: How many times have you apologized for the same offense? How about changing the behavior?
Meditate on the list above and see how you can change behavior by taking the high road and preserving your relationships.
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Psalm 29:11