Lucille Shackleton, a relationship therapist and sexologist known for her book 'All In', shares insights on healthy conflict in relationships. She dispels the myth that arguing is a sign of trouble, revealing that respectful disagreements can enhance intimacy. Lucille discusses the importance of 'clean fights', effective communication, and emotional validation. She highlights how accountability and understanding different repair styles can lead to constructive resolutions. Ultimately, she encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation for lasting relationship harmony.
Healthy arguments can strengthen relationships by promoting deeper understanding and effective communication rather than being viewed as failures.
Timing and emotional awareness are crucial in conflict resolution, allowing couples to express feelings and validate each other's emotions effectively.
Deep dives
The Value of Constructive Conflict
Arguments in relationships can be beneficial when approached with respect and a focus on resolution rather than blame. Productive fights allow partners to express differing viewpoints, facilitating deeper understanding and communication about underlying feelings such as disappointment or lack of respect. Rather than viewing disagreements as a sign of failure, recognizing that they can strengthen a relationship is crucial; proper conflict resolution fosters intimacy. Ignoring conflict can lead to resentment, as unresolved issues accumulate over time, often culminating in explosive reactions that overshadow the actual underlying problem.
Effective Communication and Timing
Effective communication is vital for resolving conflicts, and choosing the right timing for discussions can enhance the quality of these conversations. Initiating dialogue when both partners are calm and in a good mood creates a more conducive environment for productive conversations. Recognizing that past experiences can influence how individuals engage in arguments enables partners to navigate these discussions more thoughtfully. Encouraging practices such as expressing feelings and validating each other’s emotions fosters a supportive atmosphere that can minimize misunderstandings.
Repairing and Reflecting Post-Conflict
Repairing after an argument is essential for healing the relationship and preventing future conflicts. Acknowledging responsibility, being open to apologies, and ensuring both partners feel heard are crucial steps in this process. The concept of 'rupture and repair' emphasizes understanding the root causes of the disagreement before moving forward, which strengthens the couple's bond. Emphasizing the importance of individual healing alongside relational work, both partners can learn to navigate conflicts with greater ease and empathy over time.
A lot of people think if you argue in your relationship it means something is wrong, but relationship therapist and sexologist Lucille Shackleton says it’s actually a good thing - it just depends on how you fight.
In this ep Dee Salmin gets all the advice from Lucille on how to deal with conflict with your partner in a healthy way.
DM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.au
The Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.
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