Being in conflict with someone is always distressing. Conflicts are counter-productive and may even destroy personal relationships. One way to dissolve conflict is through an apology. A sincere apology can help you resolve conflicts and reach a better understanding with the other person.

The problem is that not everyone is comfortable with the act of asking for forgiveness. They may see apologizing as a sign of weakness, or an admission of their own faults.

An apology doesn’t have to mean that you are recanting all that you have said or that you necessarily agree with all the other person has said or done. But it might be appropriate to apologize for anything you have said or done that may have worsened the conflict, including any inappropriate, or inappropriately delivered responses. Continue reading →

Anyone who has been in a close relationship knows that conflicts can arise. Having misunderstandings are almost inevitable when two people from different backgrounds and with different personalities spend a lot of time together. The conflicts can appear to be big or small, depending on which side you are looking from, but if left unresolved, these conflicts can be harmful to the relationship.

They can grow and fester over time until they become so blown out of proportion that they may never be ‘fixed.’

The true test of a lasting relationship is how the couple can handle conflicts when they arise. A healthy and thriving relationship is not entirely free from conflicts, and couples can actually use conflicts to their advantage. Conflicts can help them resolve situations together, and grow together through the process, not apart. Continue reading →