Other Relationships

8 Ways to resolve conflict with a friend

Ways to resolve conflict with a friend

Sometimes you have had a conflict (i.e., a serious argument) with your friend, and if you do not resolve it on time in an appropriate way, you may end up losing your nice friend, which is rare to find. So don’t delay further and look for effective ways to resolve conflict with a friend.

If you don’t resolve conflict with a friend on time in an appropriate way, you may end up losing your nice friend, which is rare to find. So don’t delay further and look for effective ways to resolve conflict with a friend.

Looking for the ways to resolve conflict with a friend?

No relationship remains smooth and nice all the time, as you have to face ups and downs, i.e., conflicts, fights, and disagreements. What matters most is how you deal with it. And the same applies to your friendship.

Friendship is a very special relationship, but sometimes that gets complicated. So, you should try some ways to resolve conflict with a friend.

8 Ways to resolve conflict with a friend

In this article, we are going to discuss some basic and effective ways to resolve conflict with a friend, which are as follows:

1. FIRSTLY COOL DOWN:

Never come forward to resolve the issue if you are still angry. Because the chances are higher that you will lose your temper again while resolving the issue. And that can create more differences in your relationship with your friend. So it’s better to take time to cool down and stabilize your mood, and then think about resolving it.

No matter how long it takes, i.e., whether it takes a few days or a few weeks, just take your time. Now, once you are calm, plan when and how to initiate the matter. This is one of the most basic ways to resolve conflict with a friend or partner, so consider it.

2. IDENTIFY THE IDEAL TIME:

Now that you are ready to talk, the next step is to know when to resolve the issue, i.e., the right timing. That means looking to see if your friend has relaxed and is ready to talk. And approach by putting polite statements, like “I want to discuss something; can we meet?”. Because if any one of you is angry, the chances are higher that you will use harsh words, and the meeting to resolve the issue may get wasted.

So get to know the best time to approach your friend so that you can resolve the conflict easily. Moreover, follow other smart tips and ways to resolve conflict with a friend to make your bond stronger.

3. PLAN TO MEET:

For resolving any conflict, it is better to plan a meet-up, i.e., face-to-face communication is always best as compared to texts or video calls. Because in physical meetings, you tend to better connect and understand each other by looking at each other’s tone, expressions, and physical touch.

So if possible, it’s better to have face-to-face and open conversations. And set aside time to discuss the issue where there will be no distractions so that you can discuss it properly. These are quite a few things to consider, but they are quite effective in making your approach right.

4. USE YOUR WORDS VERY WISELY:

Now the next step is the words, statements, tone, and expressions you are using while discussing the matter. They can either mend the situation or ruin it completely. So just be very particular with your words and choose them wisely. And make sure not to use blaming statements; instead, just have a discussion on it.

Because most likely, when you are discussing the issue with your friend, you easily get offended and tend to use harsh words (because you take it from your friend’s side). So make sure to remain calm while discussing the matter with your friend, even if your friend gets angry, if you want to resolve the conflict.

5. EXPLAIN YOUR POINT OF VIEW WHILE LISTENING TO THEIRS:

You just can’t come, put up your point of view, and move ahead. You should listen to others’ points of view as well. That means clearly putting up your point of view, like “What makes you hurt?” “What causes this problem?” “What makes you use those words?” Better explain it in detail so that others get it.

Then listen to your friend’s point of view with no interference in between. By sharing openly, you get to know each other’s point of view, which is most needed to resolve the conflict or issue. By following these smart ways to resolve conflict with a friend, you can make your friendship even stronger.

6. UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FRIEND’S FEELINGS:

As you are discussing the matter openly, try to understand your friend’s point of view. By understanding and accepting your friend better, you’ll find a way to solve the problem and keep your friendship strong. Simply show respect and value towards your friend’s feelings, thoughts, and opinions if you want a lifelong friendship with your friend.

If you initiate by understanding him or her, he or she will come forward to understand and acknowledge you. And with that mutual understanding and acknowledgment, you can easily get your friendship back on track.

7. SOLVE THE ISSUE TOGETHER:

To resolve any issue in a relationship, both parties need to put in time and effort. If both you and your friend are interested in talking about the conflict, only then will you be able to resolve it. If one of you is not interested in resolving it, the other person cannot do anything.

So, better resolve the issue together, just putting in efforts together, no matter who initiates it first. Simply follow for the useful ways to resolve conflict with a friend on time to make your friendship last longer.

8. BE READY TO APPOLOGISE OR FORGIVE:

In the list, last but the most effective ways to resolve conflict with a friend is to apologize. If it’s your mistake, then it’s good to accept your mistake, make an apology, and even make a promise that you’ll never do it again. And if it’s your friend’s mistake and he or she is apologizing, then be ready to forgive without reserving any grudges inside you.

An apology and forgiveness are the main keys to resolving the conflicts, which in turn helps to re-create the bond and connection with your friend. So just be open to these aspects and keep your friendship even stronger.

Simply follow the best strategies and ways to resolve conflict with a friend. Friendship is very precious and you can’t lose it just because you don’t resolve the conflict in a right way. In short, simply follow the best possible ways to resolve conflict with a friend.