Are There Ever Times When We Should Avoid Conflict?

Maybe you throw out a joke; maybe you get all passive-aggressive; maybe you leave the room, or deliberately change the subject. But if things start to look like conflict, your immediate reaction is to either get out of the situation or somehow change it so that it’s more peaceful, rather than seeing the fight through. Research suggests that an individual’s implicit theory of relationships (ITR) was a meaningful mediator in determining the strength of one’s commitment to a relationship (Knee et al., 2004). Accordingly, some maintain a theory of growth, the perspective that relationships develop gradually over time and that problem resolution inherently leads to a greater connection and a growing relationship. And some react by directing their anger inward, a reaction that is conducive to feelings of depression and isolation.

Being aware of how your emotions impact you can help you gain a greater understanding of yourself and others. Before confronting someone, try examining and questioning your feelings. While avoidance sometimes seems like the best way to deal with conflict, in the long run it ends up harming our intimacy.

Tips for better communicating with your partner

By being aware of the signs of conflict avoidance and using these tips for dealing with conflict healthily, you can start to have healthier and more productive conversations with your partner. The consequences of conflict avoidance can be very damaging to a relationship. When two people avoid conflict, they how to deal with someone who avoids conflict are not communicating their needs and desires to each other. The relationship becomes based on assumptions and expectations rather than communication. Research shows that people with PTSD often try to avoid or “push away” their emotions, both emotions about a traumatic experience and emotions in general.

At least 221 schools have sustained damage from aerial attacks — over 40 percent of all schools in Gaza. Twelve of Gaza’s 35 hospitals — which are also being used as shelters for displaced people — are no longer functioning; nearly two-thirds of primary health care clinics have shut down due to damage. On Oct. 30, 2023, a plane arrived at Egypt’s Al-Arish airport loaded with UNICEF-supported lifesaving supplies to be delivered to children and families in Gaza. Since the escalation of the conflict on Oct. 7, the number of humanitarian aid trucks allowed into the Gaza Strip has been severely restricted; as of Oct. 31, only 217 trucks had been cleared for entry. UN officials say at least 100 trucks a day would be required to cover urgent needs. Israeli sources report that at least 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, and more than 5,431 injured.

Active Coping

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD. Do you find yourself holding your feelings in just to avoid conflict with your partner? Nobody enjoys conflict but it can be a healthy part of your relationship.

Schedule an appointment with a Makin Wellness counselor today if you’d like more information on conflict avoidance or other relationship issues. Conflict avoidance can have several negative consequences in relationships. It can also cause communication to break down and lead to distance in the relationship. Often, individuals with the disorder are very shy as children and do not outgrow this shyness as they age. Children who are high in behavioral inhibition may be more likely to have negative social experiences, which play a part in the development of thought patterns that increase their risk for developing AVPD.

What is avoidant personality disorder?

Once you become more used to it, facing your problems head-on won’t bring you as much anxiety. Some people find that meditation helps them get into a place where they can be « comfortable with the uncomfortable. » Sometimes, you just need a little nudge (and support) from someone else to stop ruminating on a problem and take action. Stress relief strategies like relaxation techniques and jogging can minimize the stress response when you face a problem and even increase your self-confidence.

• It is common for us to talk about assertive communication, expressing feelings, and active listening — these are all skills designed to help people communicate their views and feelings and openly receive the views of another.
• This deficit may be fairly static so a person may need to avoid the constant ordeals.
• In addition to examining emotions connected directly to the traumatic event, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may address how certain thoughts or ways of evaluating a situation may be contributing to your emotions.