Has this phrase ever been uttered in your home: “We’ve talked about this a million times before”?

So many of the arguments we get into with our partners are different versions of the same argument we've already had. And it can feel exhausting and demoralizing to keep having the same conflict over and over.

In today’s episode, we’re introducing you to the concept of unresolvable conflict. According to research, 69% of conflicts in long-term relationships are unresolvable.

What does that even mean? And what are you supposed to do if you can’t resolve a conflict? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The most common conflicts couples face.
Why it’s pointless and harmful to think someone is “right” and someone is “wrong” in a conflict.
Why it's important to identify the core issue in an argument.
How to aim for understanding, not agreement.
The importance of apologizing - even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong.
The difference between impact and intent.
Why should you think of your unresolvable conflict as the price of admission to your relationship?

Timestamps:
[01:04] Unresolvable conflicts
[02:54] What does it mean when a conflict is unresolvable?
[03:31] The most common conflicts couples face
[07:03] Different approaches to talking about conflicts
[09:14] Recognize that there’s is no objective right or wrong in a situation
[15:08] Identify the core issue
[19:14] Aim for understanding, not agreement
[21:50] Try to learn more about your partner's experience
[26:16] Apologize
[32:30] Ways to phrase apologies
[34:02] Think of your unresolvable conflict as the price of admission to your relationship
[35:58] Listener questions: How do we know if an issue is resolvable or unresolvable?
[37:37] Listener question: How do you know if something is a dealbreaker?
[40:40] Listener question: How do you bring up an issue without immediately getting pissy?
[43:19] Listener question: How do you help someone feel validated if you don’t feel the same way?
[45:36] Listener question: Are unresolvable conflicts really unresolvable forever?
[47:54] Outro


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