Disagreeing with others is a natural part of relationships and doesn't require suspension of love or connection. Misunderstandings shouldn't lead to premature conclusions about the viability of a relationship. Offense is inevitable; it varies from person to person and evolves over time. What offends one may not offend another, often stemming from personal experiences rather than absolute standards. When an unintentional offense occurs, it is crucial to acknowledge it, understand the reasons behind the offense, and strive to minimize future misunderstandings.
Misunderstandings between you and your loved ones will happen — it's what you do next that matters most, says marriage and family therapist Lambers Fisher. Drawing on his work helping couples and relatives work through communication issues, he shares four principles to accept the inevitability of offending someone close to you — and how to use these moments to build trust and empathy.