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What Is Relationship Conflict?
Relationship conflict is a disagreement between people (e.g., partners, friends, siblings, or co-workers).
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It’s not just romantic partners who can experience conflicted relationshipsfamilies can also be in conflict.
It can also generate creative solutions to problems and help people grow.
However, when conflict is not productive or healthy, it can be harmful to everyone involved.
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Conflicted Relationships and Your Health
Research has shown that relationship conflict can negatively affect your health.
Exposure to conflict can make you more susceptible to infectious illnesses like colds and the flu.
Some people also experience chronic pain related to stress, such as headaches and back or neck pain.
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Conflict between partners or within families can also lead to the condition.
Relationship conflict is not the same as abuse.
Contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Types of Relationship Conflict
There are different types of conflict that can affect relationships.
Unacknowledged Conflict
Conflict is inevitable.
Relationships in which people “never fight” are not always as blissful as they seem.
Whenangeris suppressed or unacknowledged by partners or family members, it can actually be unhealthy.
That’s not necessarily the healthiest way to approach and work through conflict, either.
Causes of Conflicted
All relationships experience conflict from time to time.
The key is to learn and continually hone your conflict resolution skills.
Instead of saying, “You did that thing I hate!”
It also gives them the opportunity to defend or explain a behavior if they feel they have been misunderstood.
Saying “I have to solve this problem” could make you feel overwhelmed and alone.
Be Respectful and Kind
Conflicts in a relationship don’t have to turn into down-and-out fights.
If you feel or hear these changes, stop and take a breath.
Being an active listener is also valuable when you are trying to find a solution to a problem together.
It also could get in the way of a productiveand efficientresolution to the problem.
Resume the discussion when you’ve both had a chance to rest and regroup.
You and your partner might also benefit from individual therapy.
One modality that many people find useful iscognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
A Word From Verywell
Conflicted relationships can be a source of stress and can undermine social connections.
Over time, such relationship conflict can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
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