Part 2: Ways to Reduce Conflict

Our Austin family attorneys regularly suggest these additional tips for clients going through a divorce as they try to resolve conflict.

8. Accept responsibility for your part of the problem and tell your partner you want to seek a solution. “I have made this problem worse, and I want to fix it.”

9. Mirror your partner’s concerns back to them in your own words so they know you understand what they said. You can start the sentence with “So what you mean is….”

10. Start the conversation with a positive observation; then ask for what you want. Conclude with expressing your appreciation. This method is called the “sandwich” approach and works in many situations.

11. Use words and phrasing to soften your approach such as “perhaps” or “maybe.” Similar phrases include “sometimes,” “what if” and “possibly.”

12. Use the opposite tactic. If your partner’s volume increases, wait before you say anything and speak more softly. However, if they become aggressive or threatening, immediately begin Austin family attorneys.

13. Say that you are sorry even when you were not wrong. The person who apologizes first is the bigger person.

14. If your spouse asks you to do something, agree to it whenever possible. However, include a request for a favor from them as well. If you aren’t sure about their request, our Austin family lawyer can provide you with further guidance.

15. If your spouse comes up with a solution, suggest another option while leaving the door open for further discussion.

16. Postpone the matter. You can use the following wording. “This is a major decision. Can we take a day or two to think this through and come up with several options before we make a decision?”

If you want help with creative suggestions for resolving conflict, call the Austin family attorneys at Nunis & Associates. You can reach us at (512) 236-9696.