How to Communicate Instead of Having a Fight

We've all been there. It's Sunday morning. The husband wants to see his parents. The wife would rather go take a hike in the woods. Or the other way around. One insists on what they want, the other resists or doesn't really engage and you're off arguing what to do with this Sunday afternoon.

The most important aspect to avoid a fight is your attitude towards the other person. If you internally roll your eyes and get ready to defend your position as the one and only possibility, then you're already on the path of war. But if you're able to look at it from a joint perspective - as in we are going to figure this out together - then you will have a relaxed Sunday afternoon. 

When couples disagree about how to solve a problem, both people should put their own opinion on the back burner. Instead, explore what else you would be willing to consider. 

Do a little brain storming without getting attached to a solution first. What else could you do with your afternoon? Maybe swing by the parents for a cup of coffee and then take a short walk together? Hike with the in-laws? Have a romantic afternoon at the beach and make dinner plans with the family for next Saturday? Split up and each do your own thing? Find a whole different strategy all together?

Before getting attached to one particular idea, create a pool of possibilities first. Come up with some ideas what each of you want to do. That way you come closer to what each other is willing to give up in order to come to a joint solution. 

First you have to give a little. That's when you gain your partner's trust and willingness to compromise. If you get hung up on only one solution (yours) you inevitably get into a power struggle and only one person can "win" - but the victory is short lived, because resentment will build within the other.  

Change your mindset and include the other in your thought process rather than exclude them. From then on you will get what you want.