Managing Conflict and Stress

Having a relationship with another human being be it, a business relationship, friendship or romance can be difficult due to the many differences in people.

You've heard that opposites attract. Opposites are really differences and sometimes those differences can cause conflict. Some people hold the philosophy, "It's my way or the highway." Others have difficulty expressing their feelings so they keep them all bottled up inside until eventually one day, the pressure builds so a point where an explosion of emotion is imminent.

Sometimes conflict is unavoidable. Due to the differences that we as human being share coupled with the fact that as people we are selfish by nature, conflict is going to happen...for some more than others. It's ok to disagree but when that conflict starts causing stress, it's time to do some things to manage the conflict.

Here are some practical tips for managing conflict which will in turn help manage stress levels:

• When it appears that there is no resolution to a disagreement, it's best to agree to disagree
• Choose your battles wisely. For example, if you know that your husband or wife does a particular thing that annoys you but isn't detrimental to your health and well being (such as leaving the cap off the toothpaste), let it go. Fighting over the same thing over and over again is obviously not changing the behavior of that person. Fighting will only make things worst
• Choose who you share intimate details about your life with wisely. Everyone is not meant to be in your "inner circle". Some people are in our lives to be acquaintances. Others are meant to be dear friends. Know the difference.
• Don't commit to doing something that you are not sure you can follow through on. Keep your commitments when possible
• Don't ever sign off on another person's debt...Cosigning! While the person may seem responsible, things happen and you may be stuck with a debt that you had not planned on. Even the Bible declares in Proverbs, "A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend"

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Michelle is a full time working mother of three.  She enjoys doing research related to alternative health and has helped many people to achieve natural pain relief. Subscribe to Michelle's monthly Stress Less newsletter for alternative stress and pain information like that contained in this article.