02/17/2019
Have you ever disappointed someone unintentionally?
I know I have. I doubt if you have been married (or living with someone) for more than a week, that you haven’t disappointed your spouse (or partner).
Misunderstandings and miscommunication are common in all relationships. They can become the cause of many arguments and fights. It is important to acknowledge our part in these misunderstandings. Only when we are slow to anger and quick to forgive can we avoid major conflicts caused by miscommunication or misunderstandings.
If you find yourself in a verbal fight with your partner, ask yourself, “What might I have misunderstood?” And then ask yourself and your mate what miscommunication might have occurred.
Only through patient self examination and openness can we avoid the alienation, anger, &/or the angst of feeling attacked or disrespected. The next time you and your partner are locked in an agitated argument, consider how you may have been unclear or have misspoken. At the heart of many disagreements and disputes there is often a grain of misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Be open to the possibility that one of you has jumped to some conclusion about the other’s true intent &/or feelings. If you can be patient and ask the questions you need to ask in order to figure out what happened, you may reach an understanding about how the argument started. Then apologize for what you did to contribute to the conflict. If you misunderstood what was being said or didn’t communicate your true thoughts or feelings take ownership of this and say “I’m sorry.”
