The experience of unresolved conflict in significant relationships is distinguished by invariant constituents and qualities that may be regarded as universals. Permeating the experience is an overriding sense of chronic movement toward dependency and, at the same time, an unyielding determination to separate. the majority of the coresearchers described lives that were torn with conflict between longing to be free and longing to be attached. the relationship remained a no win situation, characterized by two equal competitive desires--the need to cling to the significant other, and the need to gain independence from the significant other. the coresearchers repeatedly involved themselves in a search, compulsively at times, to find answers that would end the conflict and transform the relationship in a way that would free them to move on with their lives. Indeed, it is this "moving on" that is so difficult for some and seemingly impossible for others to achieve. the unresolved conflict itself becomes a powerful diversion, draining the person's energy to such a degree that little or no energy is directed toward achieving autonomy. Again and again, the significant relationship brings conflict, acts as a motivator to continue argumentation and defend oneself against the emotional chains that enslave the relationship. In this way, the coresearchers carry with them the baggage of the past. They are hounded by humiliation, fear, anger, and an alphabet soup of painful experiences. Implications of the study are explored and suggestions are made for further research of questions related to clinical psychology.

The relationship teacher, coach, and founder of The Relationship School reveals the origins of conflict styles, how to stop avoiding difficult conversations, and how to resolve conflict in our most important relationships. Conflicts in our closest relationships are scary because so much is at stake. If the conflict doesn't go well, we could lose our marriage, our family or our job, all connected to our security and survival. So we do just about anything not to lose those relationships, including avoid conflict, betraying ourselves or becoming dishonest. Unresolved conflict affects every single aspect of our lives, from self-confidence to physical and mental health. Jayson Gaddis is a personal trainer for relationships and one of the world’s leading authorities on interpersonal conflict. For almost two decades, Gaddis has helped individuals, couples, and teams get to the bottom of their deepest conflicts. He helps people see the wisdom in conflict and how to get to zero—which means we have successfully worked through our conflict and have nothing in the way of a good connection. In Getting to Zero, Gaddis shows the reader how to stop running away from uncomfortable conversations and instead learn how to work through them. Through funny personal stories, uncomfortable examples, and effective tools and skills, he shows the reader how to move from disconnection to connection, acceptance, and understanding. This method upgrades the old tired and static conflict resolution approaches and offers a fresh, street-level, user-friendly road map on exactly how to work through conflict with the people you care most about.

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION: Conflict is an inevitable aspect of any relationship, and in the context of marriage and intimate partnerships, it can often feel overwhelming. However, it's essential to recognize that conflict, when handled constructively, can actually strengthen and deepen the bond between partners. "Navigating Conflict: A Guide to Managing Conflict in Marriage and Relationships" sets out to provide practical strategies and insights for couples to navigate conflict in a healthy and productive manner. In this book, we delve into the nature of conflict within relationships, emphasizing that it's a natural and inevitable part of being human. Drawing from psychology and relationship research, we explore the various triggers and dynamics that contribute to conflict, including differing expectations, communication styles, and unresolved issues from the past. By normalizing conflict, we aim to alleviate the stigma and fear often associated with it, empowering couples to approach disagreements with greater resilience and understanding. The Importance of Effectively Managing Conflict: Here, we highlight the significance of addressing conflict proactively for the overall health and longevity of a relationship. Unresolved conflicts can fester and lead to resentment, erosion of trust, and ultimately, relationship breakdown. Conversely, couples who learn to manage conflict constructively not only strengthen their connection but also cultivate greater intimacy, empathy, and mutual respect. We underscore that conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining a thriving and fulfilling partnership, regardless of the stage or duration of the relationship. Overview of the Book Structure: This section provides a roadmap for the eBook, outlining the key themes, chapters, and exercises designed to support couples in navigating conflict more effectively. Each chapter will address specific aspects of conflict management, from understanding triggers and communication patterns to practicing active listening and negotiating compromises. Throughout the eBook, readers will find practical tips, case studies, and reflective prompts to apply the concepts to their own relationship dynamics. By offering a comprehensive yet accessible framework, "Navigating Conflict" aims to empower couples to transform conflict from a source of tension into an opportunity for growth and deeper connection

“Genius . . . will teach you how to transform your conflict into closeness. A beautiful read for anyone in a relationship they want to take higher.” —Regena Thomashauer, New York Times bestselling author If left unresolved, sources of disconnect—from bad breath to infidelity—can lead to major rifts and smother the spark in a relationship. Authors CrisMarie Campbell and Susan Clarke bring over twenty years of experience in family and marriage counseling and relationship coaching to this book. They cater their advice to romantic relationships and provide resolution strategies for women and men. While arguments with our partner can get tiring, looking at those disagreements as opportunities to strengthen the bond rather than weaken it can have a significant impact on their effect. With conflict comes the chance to communicate and solve problems together. This can restore a sense of intimacy and connection with our partner, both emotionally and physically. In The Beauty of Conflict for Couples, you will find: · Relatable stories that shed light on the common struggles of romantic relationships · Practical tools that offer guidance for addressing conflict · A source of hope for relationships that appear to be fated for failure “The Beauty of Conflict for Couples is a knock-your-socks-off book for anyone who has ever struggled with intimacy, vulnerability, and the longing to make this relationship work even when it seems impossible . . . This book is readable (I couldn’t put it down!), funny, warm, practical, and powerful.” —Ann Weiser Cornell, author of The Radical Acceptance of Everything and The Power of Focusing

Conflict—The Unexpected Gift Conflict between people can be defined as a difference that causes disagreements. Authors Jack Hamilton and Elisabeth Seaman go to the root of what causes conflict and how to rebuild relationships. Interpersonal conflicts permeate our lives. Sometimes we believe that another person treated us unfairly, and that assumption causes us to become angry at the person. Such conflicts in relationships often are intensified because of old patterns of thinking and behavior that have gotten out of hand. Becoming aware of someone’s true intentions, and the many factors that caused them to behave the way they did, as well as awareness of our own reactions, starts us on the path to mutual understanding and reconciliation. Conflict—The Unexpected Gift: Making the Most of Disputes in Life and Work suggests practical ways to honestly address, talk through and benefit from resolving conflicts. Every chapter has real-life accounts of people’s unresolved issues and the creative ways they resolved them. The book stresses the importance of knowing yourself, clarifying and letting go of unfounded assumptions, apologizing to heal old hurts and moving forward by not only repairing relationships, but also often improving them. Hamilton and Seaman wrote this book to give you the tools to talk through and mend unresolved issues that may have surfaced in your personal relationships.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.