Growing Intimacy Through Conflict

Intimacy can be nurtured and grown through conflict. People cannot agree all the time, therefore, conflict is a normal part of relationships. Conflict is more than a disagreement. It is a situation where one or both parties perceive a threat. It does not matter if the threat is big or small, or even if it is real.

Conflict can be an opportunity for growth if it is resolved in a positive way.

For most people, conflict is frighting and causes them to want to run away. This is because they have never experience conflict resolution that led to positive outcomes. Those kind of outcomes that lead to healing and closeness.

Their experiences with conflict include hurt, anger and shame. It led to being hurt physically, mentally and/or emotionally. Out of these experiences, they form negative beliefs that limit their abilities to face difficult situations.

Negative Beliefs About Conflict:

1. Conflict is bad and dangerous.

2. Conflict is scary because someone is going to get hurt.