How to Communicate With a Defensive or Conflict-Avoidant Partner - Terri Cole

Does it ever feel challenging to get through to your partner when you’re in conflict? Do they become endlessly defensive when you raise an issue? Or do they bring up unrelated problems they have with you or the relationship? Are you the defensive one? Many of you have written in to ask about navigating issues with defensive or conflict-avoidant partners. This episode is my answer. We’ll cover why clean conflict and fair fighting are critical to successful relationships, what this looks like in practice, and tips for having healthier, constructive conflict. Download the guide for this episode here: https://www.terricole.com/how-to-comm... For a deep dive into effective communication in any relationship, check out my 3-hour workshop with Mark Groves here: https://crushingcommunication.com Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction 2:45 - Why clean conflict is important 4:09 - Choosing your battles 5:20 - Responding vs reacting 7:12 - Check your assumptions 8:16 - No below-the-belt tactics 11:00 - Handling conflict-avoidance and defensiveness 14:00 - Proactive strategy to lessen conflict If You Enjoyed This, Watch These Videos    • 7 Strategies To Stop Being So Defensive - ...   - 7 Strategies to Stop Being So Defensive    • How to Effectively Communicate During Conf...   - Effectively Communication During Conflict Without Making It Worse    • Stop Being Defensive + Learn to Listen | E...   - Stop Being Defensive and Learn to Listen    • 4 Appreciation Rituals for Lasting Love - ...   - 4 Appreciation Rituals for Lasting Love    • Epic Relationship Infrastructure - Terri Cole   - Epic Relationship Infrastructure    • When and How to Fight - Terri Cole   - When and How to Fight About Terri Cole Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of Boundary Boss-The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen and (Finally) Live Free. For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change. She inspires over 450,000 people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. For more, see https://www.terricole.com/ Connect With Me Instagram: https://terricole.com/ig Community: https://terricole.com/fbg TC's VIPs: https://terricole.com/membership Newsletter: https://terricole.com/newsletter Resources Boundary Boss Book: https://amzn.to/44DZID9 The Boundary Boss Workbook: https://amzn.to/3Ra7CRU Insight Timer: https://insig.ht/cpKnbJB4KDb (I have a bunch of free meditations on here and love this app!) BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/terricole I’m not currently taking any new one-on-one therapy or coaching clients, but highly recommend using BetterHelp to find a therapist that fits your needs. As a team, we have fully vetted BetterHelp's resources. https://www.terricole.com/gethelp/ -- If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger the resources on this page can provide you with immediate help. Please note: If you choose to sign up for BetterHelp or Insight Timer or buy through my Amazon links, I will receive a commission. Please know that I only recommend services and products that I know & trust. #terricoleshow #effectivecommunication #relationshipadvice #communicationinrelationships