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Seven tips to handle conflict in relationships

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2 weeks ago

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Conflict is inevitable in any relationship; be it romantic, familial, or platonic. However, it is not inherently destructive but how it is handled can make all the difference.

Poorly managed conflict can break a relationship but when handled with care and intentionality, the bond between partners can be strengthened.

Effective conflict resolution fosters mutual respect, and understanding, and even deepens the connection between individuals.

Here are practical tips for managing conflict healthily and constructively.

Express your feelings openly
Effective communication is key to resolving conflict in a relationship.

Remember, your partner is not a mind reader. So, you have to express what is bothering you in a firm, honest, respectful, and caring manner.

While expressing your feelings, avoid throwing out blame and criticism. For example, avoid using the words “always” and “never” as it can make your partner feel attacked.

Avoid concluding and assuming on your partner’s behalf on an issue as well. Rather, talk about it, ask for clarifications, and listen to your partner’s side of the story.

This will help create a safe space for open dialogue where partners can better understand each other’s perspectives.

Practice active listening
In managing conflict, listening is as important as communicating.

While your partner is communicating his/her feelings, how are you reacting? This influences the outcome of the resolution.

To handle conflict constructively, you have to practice active listening.

Active listening involves giving your partner full attention when speaking, making eye contact, not interrupting, and nodding to show you’re engaged.

This gives the impression that you acknowledge and understand your partner’s feelings and point of view.

It also makes your partner feel valued, respected, and heard, which can significantly deescalate tension.

Focus on the matter at hand
During a disagreement, try as much as possible not to cross the lines and start insulting your partner or bringing up past issues.

Doing any of these will only make the disagreement more complicated and resolution more challenging.

So, focus on the issue that caused the disagreement. Sort the issues once at a time.

Concentrating on resolving that particular issue will keep the conversation productive and effective.

Also, if your partner continuously and aggressively insults or curses you during the tiniest disagreement, you might be in a toxic relationship.

Compromise
Compromising is often needed during conflict resolution.

It is important to recognize that you won’t always get your way, and that is okay. So, try to find a balance between what you both want and are comfortable with.

By prioritising the health of the relationship over being right, you can foster a sense of teamwork and mutual respect.

Take responsibility and apologise
Effective conflict resolution involves admitting when you are wrong and taking responsibility.

After owning what is yours, apologise sincerely. An apology can go a long way in mending hurt feelings and restoring trust.

Taking responsibility for your actions is not a weakness but it shows maturity and a willingness to make amends.

It also helps to resolve the conflict more quickly.

It is also important to forgive your partner when they apologise, allowing both of you to move forward without holding onto resentment.

Take a break when needed
Sometimes, a conflict can become too heated to resolve in the moment.

When the atmosphere is tense and emotions are high, it is okay to take a break.

Taking a break to cool down before continuing the resolution allows you to collect your emotions and thoughts, it also reduces the risk of saying hurtful things to each other.

However, keep at it and ensure to agree on a time to continue the resolution. Do not sweep it under the rug but address it with a calmer mindset.

Seek help when needed
If the conflict seems impossible to resolve, guidance from a professional — a counselor or therapist — can be helpful.

A third party who is neutral can help provide valuable insights, develop better communication skills, and guide in resolving these issues.

Seeking help from a third party is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards improving your relationship.

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Relationships

Basketmouth addresses engagement rumour after cryptic post

Published

8 hours ago

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September 14, 2024 12:40 pm

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Basketmouth, the ace Nigerian comedian, has addressed the widely circulated reports of himself in a potential new relationship.

On Thursday, the 45-year-old funnyman shared an intimate photo with Miz Vick, the media personality.

“About to step into the next chapter of my life @mizvick,” he captioned the post, suggesting he may have found love.

Miz Vick also reposted the picture on her Instagram story.

Their fans and colleagues took to the post’s comment section to congratulate them. Rumours of their engagement also went viral on social media.

Sharing an update on Friday, the comedian clarified that his previous Instagram post with Miz Vick was for an upcoming movie, not a confirmation of their relationship.

Basketmouth also shared a teaser of the film titled ‘A Ghetto Love Story’ while they both revealed it is their first feature-length film.

He also disclosed that the star-studded movie will be released on November 22.

On why he used Vick’s photo to tease the project, Basketmouth said, “Oh yes, it is called clout chasing”.

The TV host asked, “and I had to take the fall for it”. The comedian replied, “no, nobody fell now. Na them fall… them fall for am,” the comedian said after which he burst into laughter.

Basketmouth separated from Elsie, his ex-wife. The pair tied the knot in 2010. They also share three children.

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Relationships

Basketmouth flaunts new lover — two years after divorce

Published

2 days ago

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September 13, 2024 5:26 am

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Basketmouth, the ace Nigerian comedian, has gone public with his relationship with Miz Vick, the media personality.

On Thursday, the 45-year-old funnyman shared an intimate photo with Miz Vick on Instagram, captioning: “About to step into the next chapter of my life @mizvick”.

Miz Vick also reposted the picture on her Instagram story.

Fans and colleagues of the lovebirds have taken to the post’s comment section to congratulate them.

The unveiling comes about two years after Basketmouth separated from Elsie, his ex-wife. The pair tied the knot in 2010. They also share three children.

On December 22, 2022, Basketmouth announced that he and Elsie were no longer together — ending their 12-year-old marriage.

Born Bright Okpocha, Basketmouth is considered one of Nigeria’s pioneers of stand-up comedy.

He is a graduate of Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

WHO IS MIZ VICK?

Born Victoria Eze, Miz Vick is a model turned TV presenter. She is also a media personality, producer, and content creator.

She once contested in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant and made it to the top 15.

She also co-hosted the Big Brother Naija season seven show alongside Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

Miz Vick has hosted several shows including Rhythm Unplugged and AY Live.

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Relationships

‘I had swollen jaw’ — Reno Omokri’s estranged wife alleges domestic violence

Published

5 days ago

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September 10, 2024 3:15 am

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Tuokpe Onuwaje, the estranged wife of Reno Omokri, has accused him of domestic violence.

Tuokpe is the first wife of the former media aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan. The couple have three children together.

During the weekend, Omokri shared a picture he took with his second wife Hanna on social media.

The writer described Hanna, who is believed to be from Ethiopia, as “a beauty queen who has devoted her life to God and me”.

Omokri also praised her for being a woman who “does not know how to quarrel and is incapable of malice”.

“I want to praise my wife. I thought spoiling was over for me, then I married my wife and got another mother, a pure met-at-home lover,” he said.

“A woman who does not know how to quarrel. A being of pure joy that radiates unconditional love. Totally devoid of materialism. The only thing she puts before her husband is her God. Every other person, she has queued behind me.”

Reacting to Omokri’s remarks in an Instagram post on Sunday, Tuokpe alleged that she “tolerated physical abuse” in their marriage.

She also accused him of assault that left her with a “swollen jaw, ruptured eardrums, and weeks of pain”.

“No woman should ever tolerate abuse in a marriage, regardless of how infrequent it might be,” she wrote.

“We often make excuses like wanting to maintain a complete family or staying for the sake of the children. But the truth is, your children deserve better.

“After the first instance of violence, which left me with a swollen jaw and weeks of pain, I made excuses, thinking I must have provoked the anger. I even had to endure seeing my daughter witness another slap.

“And there was the morning I woke up to find blood on my pillow from a ruptured eardrum you caused. The final straw was when you assaulted me again, leading me to involve the police.

“Now you claim to be happily married to a woman who doesn’t “quarrel”. Good luck to her, because you always wanted someone you could control and intimidate.”

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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