WHEN RELATIONSHIPS GET TENSE How To Handle Tough Times With Care

When feeling tension in a relationship, find a way to address it.

Trying to dance around or ignore a tense situation allows it to grow stronger over time.

Because addressing a tense situation can be uncomfortable, we tend to avoid it.

Timing is essential when you address a tense situation.  Find the right time.

Properly addressing a tense situation is essential, depends upon your nature or ‘style’, and

depends upon the nature of the person you are dealing with.  There is no one size fits all.

Take the time you need to determine from within yourself the best time and way to bring up a tense situation

with the person/people involved.  It is always delicate but must be done.

You can’t know for sure how the conversation will go.

Bring it up carefully but do bring it up. 

It is a step into the unknown, but is a necessary step to take.

Based upon the response, be ready to move forward, or back off and wait for another time,

or shift the direction.

Once the conversation begins, don’t rush it, don’t push it.  Give yourself the time and space you need

to feel and think before you continue, before you say more.

Everything depends upon their response. 

Be comfortable with silence. 

Speak when you are ready.

All too often, people wait to bring up a tense situation until they cannot stand it anymore and then they blow up.

Big mistake.

Bring up tense situations calmly, openly, respectfully, and humbly.  If done thoughtfully and with sensitivity,

their response will be positive and constructive.   Conflicts you do not address can build resentment over time.

Relationships are far more flexible than many believe.  There is plenty of freedom in working with them.

If you are attentive, you don’t need to worry about saying exactly the right thing. 

A sincere intention and attitude will be felt, understood, and well received.

Every relationship has its challenges.  Good relationships are built by enjoying the good times

while respectfully discussing, listening, exploring, and understanding the challenges.