Ten Steps for Resolving Couple Conflict

” Don’t find fault, find a remedy.”
—Henry Ford

Every couple has differences and disagreements. But healthy couples find ways to resolve marital disputes without turning them into marital wars. Couples who accept and appreciate the fact that their partner has independent opinions tend to reach successful and satisfying resolutions.
When you have issues that are ongoing, use this Ten Step approach to deal with them. The exercise may boost your success in ending issues that resist resolution.
As simple as the Ten Step exercise looks, remember it is not a game. Take time to work on all of the steps. Focus on one issue at a time and you will discover new solutions to old problems.

1. Set a time and place for discussion.

2. Define the problem or issue of disagreement.

3. How do you each contribute to the problem?

4. List past attempts to resolve the issue that were not successful.

5. Brainstorm. List all possible solutions.

6. Discuss and evaluate these possible solutions.

7. Agree on one solution to try.

8. Agree on how each individual will work toward this solution.

9. Set up another meeting. Discuss your progress.

10. Reward each other as you each contribute toward the solution.

Posted by Pastor Rick Stieve on November 13th, 2009