Collaboration In Relationships

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The third thing that can help balance the power is staying actively engaged. This is important because it allows you and your partner to state your differences in the problems you are both facing. Be clear when expressing your values and beliefs and allow your partner to do the same. By attempting to balance the power in your relationship using these three techniques, I hope that you and your partner can collaborate in a way so that you can both come out of this conflict as winners. Collaborating means that you both show respect for each other’s wants and needs, and if this is done correctly, it can lead to positive long term results for the conflict you are facing. As previously mentioned, power imbalances can leave the person of lower power …show more content…
Assertion is most relevant in situations where people must resolve a problematic interpersonal situation where personal preferences are weighed against those of the other partner (Spitzberg, Canary, & Cupach, 1994). You need to always protect yourself from verbal abuse. Although it may be hard to do, try not to argue with your partner when she is being verbally abusive because it only escalates the abuse. If abuse is addressed early, interventions can be developed to reduce the impact of mental and physical health implications that come from it (Coker, Davis, Arias, Desari, Sanderson, Brandt, & Smith, 2012). Assertive behavior means standing up for your rights without denying the rights of your partner (Rubin & Martin, 2009). When you are assertive you are expressing your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner (Aldeis, 2017). When being assertive do not apologize for your feelings because this will lead to more stress and an even lower power status. Being assertive means much more than willing to communicate your feelings, it involves that you demand respect from your partner (Rubin & Martin, 2009). Without mutual respect amongst both people in the relationship, constructively overcoming conflict is not possible. Do not put your feelings and well-being on the backburner because you are afraid of how your partner will react to you expressing your concerns about her abusive behaviors. By putting yourself on the backburner, you are demonstrating a lack of concern for your own needs and it shows your partner that above all else, that her feelings are the only important ones in the relationship (Aldeis, 2017). Assertive behavior is more effective and productive when trying to resolve interpersonal conflict, compared to being passive or aggressive (Spitzberg, Canary, & Cupach,