Dealing with differences creates conflict. You can even say that conflict is a natural part of any relationship.
But when handled constructively, through a respective dialogue seeking to understand one another, conflicts could grow relationships and make them stronger. Being married to the one my soul longed for opened areas we’ve never been in before, such as creating a life together under one roof. There are so many things you learn about a person when you live with them, and in the safety of marriage, you can allow yourself to become vulnerable with one another, trusting that the other will treat you with respect.
Active listening and empathy allow honest communication and encourage you both to express yourself without the fear of being judged.
I can remember how we’ve been told that getting married means that when problems arise, it’s not us against each other but us against the problem. I think what this really means is to compromise and seek collaboration instead of pointing fingers and pitting against who is right and wrong.
Differences create conflict, but when we look for areas of agreement, conflict becomes an opportunity for the relationship to mature.
jessa 