Communication frequently involves controversial dilemmas and conflicts, which require solvation. In such cases, decision-making may be the most significant and the most complicated action. It may be particularly difficult if these conflicts or disagreements involve close people and family members. A wide variety of specific approaches to communication may be implemented in order to decrease possible harm. It may be normal for conflicts to occur between relatives, yet it is crucial to overcome these issues together. My family is not an exception, as misunderstanding and miscommunication frequently happen. However, we are always trying to understand each other and find a compromise, which sometimes may be hard work. In most cases, my family conflicts imply that someone misbehaved or did something wrong. Such conflicts are usually resolved through acknowledgment of the mistake, apology, and forgiveness. In some cases, there is no objective “right” and “wrong” in family conflicts. On such occasions, win-win solutions or compromises should be pursued. Nevertheless, it is not always possible to take the perspective of your family members in a disagreement. Empathic listening may be the key to the mentioned issue.
Domestic work and division of responsibilities are frequently related to family conflicts. “You” language may significantly contribute to the worsening of these conflicts. Housework affects every member of the family regardless of other activities. Hence, it may be necessary to use assertive messages to resolve such problems. It may be beneficial to be clear and honest about wishes or limits (Turturean, 2016). For example, some of my relatives cannot stand cleaning the bathroom. However, I never knew it before the conflict escalated. Timely expression of limits may lead to the development of a win-win solution. Moreover, using “I” language may be beneficial in such cases. For example, talking about personal feelings regarding the issue may provide mutual understanding, whereas “you” language may sound as an accusation and lead to a conflict.
References
Turturean, M. A. (2016). Assertive Communication at Work. Communication Styles in the Classroom. SSRN Electronic Journal. Web.