Can this conflict deepen the relationship?
A conflict can show that you care
You don’t need to be an introvert to want to avoid conflicts. But sometimes, you need to lean into those difficult conversations. I am talking about the “I noticed something you are doing, and I believe you are hurting yourself” types, not the “You are an <insert expletive>” ones.
Mastering difficult conversations or giving constructive feedback is an art that most of us are never taught. Still, sometimes you need to get into that conflict. Why?
Not because you love to fight. Not because (you think) you’re right. But because you respect the other.
Conflict can deepen the relationship. But it requires trust and vulnerability to share your concerns. Because that shows that you care.
Dig Deeper
Tim Ferriss’s interview with Sheila Heen: How to Master the Difficult Art of Receiving (and Giving) Feedback
Research tells you it can be bad for you to avoid difficult conversations (this study is about married couples). Even if, I know too well, anticipating such a conversation can stress you out like hell in the moment.1