The feeling of dread that washes over you when your spouse sounds like they’re about to start a huge argument can be all too familiar for many couples. The tension in the air is palpable and you know that the conversation is about to descend into an all-out war. You probably start feeling powerless about the situation.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Even if emotions are running high and you can feel the tension rising, there are steps you can take to de-escalate the situation with your spouse and reach a productive resolution.
In this article, we’ll explore five steps to help you de-escalate a fight with your spouse and come to a productive resolution.
How to diffuse an argument with your spouse in 5 steps?
1. Remain calm:
The first step to de-escalating a fight with your spouse is probably to just remain calm. It’s true that it can be hard to remain calm when tensions are running high, but it is definitely worth it when you consider how fast things could take a turn for the worst.
If you can, take a few deep breaths to help you to center yourself and steady your emotions. Remaining calm can also help to signal to your spouse that you are trying your best not to hurt their feelings and that you are willing to listen and work together to come to a resolution. This alone will probably encourage your spouse to make an effort to mirror your calmness and start being more considering and understanding too.
Additionally, it can be helpful to focus on the issue at hand and try to avoid getting sidetracked by anger. So try and keep the conversation focused on the issue at hand as this can definitely help to minimize any further escalation.
2. Don’t say anything sarcastic or ironic:
No matter how stupid or illogical your spouse sounds, try not to say anything sarcastic or ironic during such a moment. It is clearly not time for a joke or to showcase your humor; if your spouse is seeing red. Regardless of how good your joke or comeback is, your spouse will probably just perceive it as an attack rather than anything else in such circumstances. So what you want to do is keep your cool, be very serious about the situation, and not make any silly references or little irrelevant jokes.
Sarcasm and irony can be misinterpreted and can quickly escalate the situation and make it more difficult to reach a resolution. Additionally, it can be damaging to your relationship if you are flippant or dismissive of your spouse’s feelings. Instead, try to focus on understanding your spouse and validating their feelings and worries. This can help to foster a sense of understanding and trust between both of you.
3. Don’t wait too long to apologize:
The third step to de-escalating a fight with your spouse is to apologize straight away if you have said something that was hurtful or insensitive. It can be difficult to apologize in the heat of the moment, but it is important to do so if you want to start resolving the issue.
Apologizing can help to show your spouse that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and that you are open to hearing their side of the story. Additionally, it can help to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, which is essential for any productive resolution. Even if your spouse is already angry by now, hearing you apologizing or mumbling a weak: “I am sorry, okay?” will probably do the trick and help them calm down.
Of course, this will only work if you have done something wrong or if your spouse is blaming you for an action or mistake that you’re responsible for.
4. Try and find common ground:
The fourth step to de-escalating a fight with your spouse is to try and find common ground. During an argument, it can be easy to focus on where you differ and forget that you both have similar goals and values. Taking the time to refocus on your common goals and values can help to bridge the divide between you and create a sense of understanding.
Additionally, it can be helpful to focus on a solution that both of you can agree on, rather than arguing over who is right or wrong. By focusing on a common solution, you can move forward and start to rebuild your relationship.
5. Try to end the conversation on a positive note:
The last step to de-escalating a fight with your spouse is to end the conversation on a positive note. Even if you haven’t reached a resolution yet, it’s important to end the conversation on a positive note in order to avoid further conflict. This could mean expressing appreciation for your spouse’s perspective or thanking them for their willingness to talk.
You could also try expressing understanding of their point of view or simply expressing love and support, which can be reassuring to them after such a disagreement. It’s also important to remember that even if you may not have reached a resolution yet, you can still end the conversation with a commitment to continue the discussion later.
Conclusion:
When disagreements and arguments arise in a relationship, it can be difficult to find a productive resolution. However, by following these five steps to de-escalate a fight with your spouse, you can reach a resolution that is beneficial for both of you.
So let us remind you that by remaining calm, avoiding sarcasm and irony, apologizing, finding common ground, and ending the conversation on a positive note, you can foster a sense of understanding and respect between you and your spouse and create a foundation for a healthier and happier relationship.