Friendship is the best gift that mankind has received from god. It is a bond between two unknown people, who become best companions of each other in due course of time. But sometimes conflicts arise between you and your friends which creates a rift and sometimes it can be worse.
Conflicts with friends are normal. When two people have different tastes, opinions, ideas, etc. then they are most likely to confront each other. However, these differences should not make your friendship bitter. To not let conflicts influence your friendship, you should know the ways to deal with it.
This blog on 7 ways to resolve conflicts with friends will help you understand the reasons and provide you with ways to deal with them. Let’s begin!
These are the 7 ways to resolve conflicts with friends:
Effective Communication
Effective communication is a must in friendship. The situation becomes worse when you both talk less and let any other person intrude. Instead of listening to others, you should talk directly with your friend.
Moreover, you must have good listening skills and patience to understand him. It will be a plus point if you start speaking after listening to his perspective. In this way, you will be able to understand him and end the tussle in a few minutes.
There are many ways to communicate effectively, you could directly approach him or talk to him on the phone or invite him to your house.
Address the Problem
Once you listen to his version of the events and understand him properly. It becomes crucial for you to make him understand what you think.
If he is ready to listen to your thoughts then it is good. However, if he doesn’t want to listen then move to addressing the issue which created the conflict.
To address the issue, you must come to a term and have mutual understanding.
Acknowledge the Mistake
If you realise that you are at fault then it becomes obvious for you to apologise. Whereas, if your friend has done something wrong, you must make him aware.
Acknowledging the mistake does not make you inferior to him. One who does that and apologises has a sense of understanding and respect for his friendship. But it should be mutual, you shouldn’t take the blame unnecessarily, it won’t benefit both of you.
Control Your Emotions
When we try to resolve a conflict we become so expressive that we flow in a torrent of emotions. In such a scenario, it becomes nearly impossible for us to control ourselves. As a result, it may make the persisting situation worse.
To resolve conflict with friends, you must control your emotions first and then do the rest of the things.
Instead of becoming so expressive, give time to your friend to speak. Be rational and understand the real issue behind your tussle.
Discuss Long Term Perspective
Handling conflict becomes easy when you both think from a long-term perspective. You have two options, either quarrel for petty reasons or have a wider outlook on your future together. It would be good if you chose the latter option.
Make your friend realise that such trivial conflicts may occur at any time in your friendship when you don’t have a better understanding. From a long-term perspective, you both need to be on the same page. And for that purpose, you need to accept each other’s stance.
Talk From Both Points of Views
It normally happens that when you try to resolve a disagreement, you talk from only our perspective, which eventually makes the situation worse.
However, if you wish to address the issue and end the stand-off right away then you must talk from both points of view. You need to assure your friend that you understand his point of view and consider it important.
Also, talk about your point of view giving valid reasons. Moreover, if your friend is adamant then you should become a bit lenient, at least if he deserves it.
Move on From the Past
Well, if you tried every method to resolve the conflicts between you and your friend but nothing worked then it is time to follow a middle path.
You both need to understand that whatever happened in the past can’t be changed, it is good if you both forget about the event and move on together.
To do this, you need to forgive each other and not hold any grudges against each other.
Also Read: 3 Types of Close Friendship and How To Know If Your Friendship Will Last Long?
Conclusion
Friends are an integral part of our lives. But sometimes they stand against us, which not only breaks us but also makes us vulnerable.
However, if your friend is unhappy and there is a conflict between you two, then it is always better to talk and resolve the issue at the earliest.
If you two don’t do it then someone may take advantage of the situation and try to poison your and your friend’s ear. In the long run, it may create a rift and a sense of hatred in your heart.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to take the initiative from your side. Friends are like precious gems, don’t lose them so easily. Try these 7 Ways to Resolve Conflicts With Friends and cherish the friendship for life.