Use of Reason

"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead."
~ Thomas Paine
Disagreements are a part of every relationship. It's hard enough living with yourself, much less someone else. 

 Arguments are perfectly normal, but if you must fight, fight fairly.

 As American politician Daniel Webster said, "Keep cool; anger is not argument."

 Communication and empathy are the keys to conflict resolution. There is no "right" or "wrong" person in an argument. There's just a need for greater understanding, greater forgiveness.

 We are all SO different.

 In his book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, psychologist John Gottman studied what he called the "masters and disasters" of marriage. Men are more likely to avoid conflict and refuse to discuss things. Women, on the other hand, want to talk through problems.

 "Learn to repair and exit the argument," he recommended. "Focus on the bright side."

 In searching for resolution and an end to an argument, experts urge us to avoid blame and name-calling. Stay away from absolute statement like "you always..." or "you never." And don't let the discussion matter more than your relationship.

 Listen with your heart.

 "Before you speak," said Calcutta's Mother Teresa, "it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."
The heart knows best.

Copyright © 1999-2017 MsCator, All Rights Reserved

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