How to Resolve Conflict in Relationships: A Conversation with Esther Perel
Feb 9, 2024
53:15
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Psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel discusses how conflict in relationships can lead to growth and a stronger bond. She shares strategies for transforming conflict into constructive dialogue, the importance of validating both perspectives, and explores the impact of technology on relationships.
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Quick takeaways
Constructive conflict in relationships can lead to growth, resilience, and a stronger bond.
Understanding conflict as a natural part of relationships and fostering curiosity and differentiation can turn conflict into connection.
Deep dives
The Importance of Constructive Conflict in Relationships
Psychotherapist Esther Perel discusses the value of constructive conflict in relationships. She argues that conflict, when managed effectively, is essential for healthy relational systems and can lead to personal growth and deeper connections. Perel emphasizes the importance of understanding the different dynamics of conflict in couples and extrapolates them to larger groups and even international conflict resolution. She suggests that conflict resolution skills used in couples therapy can be applied to various types of relationships and conflict situations. Perel also highlights the significance of differentiation and the ability to hold differing opinions and still maintain a strong connection with others.
Exploring Conflict and Connection in Relationships
Esther Perel delves into the concept of turning conflict into connection in relationships. She emphasizes the value of understanding conflict as a natural part of relationships and the key role it plays in maintaining a healthy relationship. Perel explains that conflict in relationships can become destructive when it deviates from being generative and instead becomes negative and harmful. She draws parallels between conflict resolution within couples and conflict resolution in larger groups, highlighting the principles that can be applied to various relational systems. Perel also highlights the importance of curiosity and differentiation in navigating conflict and fostering connection.
The Impact of Technology on Conflict Resolution
Esther Perel discusses the impact of technology, specifically smartphones, on conflict resolution and communication in relationships. She acknowledges how the immediate validation and information accessible through smartphones can create black-and-white thinking in conflict. Perel notes that technology can foster disengagement and a desire for constant stimulation, leading to impractical expectations from human relationships. She explores the effects of social isolation, social negotiations, and frictionless interactions in a technology-driven world. Perel suggests that individuals need to be aware of the potential distortions caused by technology and focus on building real-world skills for handling conflict and discomfort.
Understanding Non-Monogamy and Relationship Structures
Esther Perel addresses the topic of non-monogamy in relationships and its growing popularity. She emphasizes that the quest for non-monogamy is part of a broader social movement to dismantle old norms and explore alternative structures. Perel points out that non-monogamy challenges traditional norms to create relationships that prioritize personal fulfillment, personal development, and a sense of community. While acknowledging that dissatisfaction or under-stimulation in existing relationships can be a factor, she highlights the multifaceted reasons why people choose non-monogamous relationships, ranging from personal growth to enhancing stability and connection within the family.
Couples have arguments over many topics. However, it’s through resolving conflict that both people in the relationship feel heard and seen. Psychotherapist, relationship expert, and New York Times-bestselling author Esther Perel says conflict when navigated skillfully can lead to growth, resilience, and a stronger bond. In this conversation with John Donvan, Perel discusses her new online course, shares her experience working with different relationship types, strategies for transforming conflict into a constructive dialogue, and the importance of validating both sides’ perspectives.
Our guest: Esther Perel, Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates