Stable partnerships need 5 times as many
positive interactions as negative ones
Verbal fights activate the body’s fight / flight / freeze
response, flooding your system with adrenaline
It takes about 20 minutes for the
body’s nervous system
to calm down after a heated argument
Where Arguments Come From
· The need to feel important, or to be right
· The desire to feel appreciated, respected, valued
· The attempt to get or keep attention, feeling unheard
· Fear of losing something precious or vital
· Inability to trust, giving in to paranoia and suspicion
· Old family patterns of dealing with disagreement
· Clashing values, or views on how things should be
Fight Fair
1. Don’t physically attack, threatening, intimidate, or use over-powering words, gestures, or postures.
2. Express frustration safely – without emotional abuse, sarcasm, mean spiritedness, or shaming.
3. Say: this is how I feel… this is how I see it…this is what I need….this is what I’d like…
4. Listen to the other as you want to be listened to – with respect, openness, and fair feedback.
5. Plan the time to argue. Write out your points and hoped for result. Agree to disagree if necessary.
6. Keep the fight on the point -- argue about just one thing at a time. Don’t “save up” irritations.
7. Ask Dr. LeAnn about "presencing" and practice this daily. It only takes a few minutes a day.
When You Feel Yourself Losing Control:
· Take a time out & physically leave the room
· Defuse tension with humor if possible
· Disclose what you really fear
· State what you really want
Find out what you’re really arguing about
Or talk to Dr. LeAnn, Psy.D., L.M.F.T.
1-530-676-3847
Dr. LeAnn O'Neal Berger, Psy.D., L.M.F.T., specializes in helping couples strengthen relationship, argue productively, and regain intimate connection. Her tools and techniques teach how to discuss disagreements without endangering your connection . Her virtual office is in California. Dr. LeAnn is most easily reached by phone at 1- (530) 676-3847 or by email at LeAnn@LeAnnLMFT.com.