About this episode

The episode discusses how to argue fairly in relationships and the importance of managing conflict effectively.

This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen dive into what it really means to fight fairly in relationships and how conflict can actually bring couples closer when it’s handled well. They explore the difference between productive conflict and escalation, and why learning how you and your partner argue is just as important as learning how you love. The conversation breaks down common conflict mistakes like bringing up the past, using blame or contempt, and not taking a pause when feeling activated. Em and Jen also discuss how to regulate your nervous system in real time, when to take a break during a fight, and how to repair after disagreement, especially in front of kids or when emotions are high. Listener questions cover how to stay grounded when you feel unheard, how to introduce healthier conflict tools to a partner who isn’t used to them, and what to do when insecurities get activated in the middle of an argument. The episode centers on one core question: in moments of conflict, do you want to be right, or do you want to be close? Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 5:30 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content. Book mentioned in…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jennifer Chaiken, Emmalee Bierly

Topics covered

• conflict resolution
• relationship advice
• communication skills
• emotional regulation
• healthy arguments

Keywords

• arguing
• relationships
• conflict
• communication
• emotional regulation
• couples therapy

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: How to Be an Adult in Relationships

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