• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Adverticia

Advertising Strategies for Today's Media World

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Business Tips
    • Construction
    • Family
    • Fitness
    • Furniture
    • Health
    • Swimming Pools
    • Technology
    • The Arts
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact

Five Rules for Fighting Fair

Last updated on August 17, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Sometimes, family conflict cannot be avoided. Disagreements and frustrations are normal parts of family life and almost all human relationships. Unlike interactions outside the home, family feuds often catch us at our worst and have the greatest potential for unfair fighting. If all family members can agree to fight by a pre-determined set of rules that can be referenced and will be respected when the heat is on, they’ll be better equipped to solve other personal problems and emerge from arguments with relationships still intact.

The list below is a sampling of a much longer list.

1. Use “I” statements, not “you” statements.

By saying “I feel like you wanted to make me look stupid in front of my friends,” instead of “You tried to make me look like an idiot,” you’re taking responsibility for your own feelings, rather than pushing your interpretations of the other person’s motivations. By doing this, you give the other person the benefit of the doubt and offer an opportunity for understanding.

2. Repeat what you think the other person is trying to say, in your own words.

This is part of developing good listening skills. Saying something like, ”It sounds like you’re telling me that when I looked through your closet, you feel like I showed that I don’t trust you. Is that right?” By rewording what you think you’re hearing, you show the other person that you’re truly trying to understand. By asking if you have it right, you’re eliminating useless arguments based on misunderstandings.

3. Limit your discussion to the issue at hand.

This is a great incentive to deal with issues as they come up—no silent treatment or simmering until you boil over! Deal with the problem within 24 hours, and once it’s been addressed, consider it over. When you do address an issue, don’t bring up past problems, whether you see them as related or not.

4. Realize you’re on the same team.

You’re attacking the issue together, with the aim of solving a problem or reaching a solution. This isn’t simply a venting session (that’s what your journal or bff is there for!) but a problem-solving discussion. That means you’re not raising your voice, calling names, or insulting one another. Anything aimed at producing anger or a defensive stance is out of line. Set yourself up for a win-win, and be willing to compromise a bit.

5. Give each other equal time, and allow for a “time out.”

Make sure to give the other person a fair hearing—and don’t make him or her have to fight for that. If you recognize that one or both of you need to take a break, that’s okay. It’s much better to realize you’re about to boil over before you do than to push yourself and risk fighting unfairly and ruining what could be a productive discussion. A time out should be between 30 minutes and 24 hours, depending on your other responsibilities and your state of mind.

Filed Under: Parenting

Additional Articles

dream room with two sisters maxtrix white wood finish bunk bed
The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
worn out and weary ballerina girl resting on barre
Are Your Dancers Getting Enough Sleep?
Encouraging Healthy Habits in Your Childcare Center: Movement, Part 2
daycare childcare
Encouraging Healthy Habits in Your Childcare Center: Movement, Part 1
daycare childcare
Encouraging Healthy Habits in Your Childcare Center: Imaginative Play
Child Care Tips – Teaching Life Skills: Sharing, Part 2

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

fourteen − 6 =



Primary Sidebar

Lyon Financial
X10 Home Automation

Popular Articles

  • Reducing Painful Side Effects of Immobilization Boots
  • Stop Hiding Your Phone Number, Walmart.com
  • Dance Studio Management Software Review
  • Should I Use Ipe or Teak?: Two High End Lumbers Explained
  • How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
  • Are Your Shoulder Blades Crooked?
  • The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
  • Septic Tank Pumping in Mooresville, NC
  • Top 3 Household Hazards for Kids
  • Getting Started with X10 Home Automation
  • Why a Swimming Pool Is a Great Addition to a Healthy Lifestyle
  • The Bedroom Source: A Unique Kids Furniture Store
  • Certified Personal Fitness Trainer in Harford County, MD
Lyon Financial

Recent Posts

  • How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
  • When Dancers Are Mean Girls: Causes of Catty Behaviors
  • Bedford Hills, NY Luxury Furniture Showroom
  • Should I Use Ipe or Teak? Two High End Lumbers Explained
  • The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
  • 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • How Seasonal Demand Affects Lumber Pricing
  • Maxtrix Kids Furniture at The Bedroom Source
  • Control Your X10 Units from Your Smart Device with X10’s WiFi Unit
  • Will a Backyard Swimming Pool Make You Happy?
Lyon Financial

Reader Feedback

  • Elina Brooks on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service
  • Norie Rie on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Afton Jackson on Wood Flooring: Environmental & Economic Benefits
  • Zoey Bac on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Karen M. on 3 Options for Pool Heating

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap

Adverticia.com does not provide medical advice, treatment or diagnosis; content on this website should not be utilized for medical treatment or diagnosis. The information provided is intended for general consumer information and should not take the place as a substitute for professional medical advice.

FTC Compliance Disclaimer: Adverticia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.