How to Handle Unresolved Conflict at Family Gatherings

How to Handle Unresolved Conflict at Family Gatherings Stress Management Relationship Stress Print How to Handle Unresolved Conflict at Family Gatherings By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on October 15, 2019 Rob Lewine/Creative RF/Getty Images More in Stress Management Relationship Stress Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress While family relationships can bring support, joy, and other wonderful benefits into our lives, these relationships can also bring stress, particularly when theres unresolved conflict. Because its more difficult to let go of conflicted relationships with family than it would be if these relationships were mere friendships, unresolved conflicts with family members can be particularly painful. We have certain expectations of trust and closeness toward family members, and it can be more than merely disappointing to realize that this may not be possible with all family members. The Stress of Unresolved Family Disputes Unresolved family conflicts bring additional stress at family gatherings in particular. Past unresolved conflicts can become the elephant in the room, felt by everyone, but not directly addressed in the situation.  This can be stressful for everyone before and during the family gatherings, sometimes leaving a lasting sense of stress afterward as well.   Without a heartfelt discussion, an apology or another form of resolution, the trust on both sides is compromised, and may not know what to expect from this person in the future. (For example, that one time your mother-in-law criticized your cooking may come up in your mind every time she comes for a visit, and others may sense your tension.) This leads many people to assume the worst when they interpret each others behavior in the present and future interactions rather than giving the benefit of the doubt like most of us do with people we trust. Also, references or reminders of past conflicts can sting and create new pain. Once a conflict has gone on a while, even if both parties move on and remain polite, the feelings of pain and mistrust are usually lingering under the surface, and are difficult to resolve: bringing up old hurts in an effort to resolve them can often backfire, as the other party may feel attacked; avoiding the issue altogether but holding onto resentment can poison feelings in the present. What You Can Do to Ease Conflict So what do you do at a family gathering when theres someone there with whom youve had an unresolved conflict? Just be polite. Contrary to how many people feel, a family gathering is not the time to rehash old conflicts, as such conversations often get messy before they get resolved â€" if they get resolved. Again, be polite, redirect conversations that get into areas that may cause conflict, and try to avoid the person as much as you politely can. Even if everyone else fails to follow this advice, if you are able to focus on handling your end of the conflict in a peaceful way, you can go a long way in minimizing battles at family gatherings and promoting peace. You may be surprised by how much of a difference this can make in the overall feel of your family get-togethers, and in your personal feelings and stress level leading up to them.   In future dealings with this person, you can take one of three paths: Try to resolve the conflict. At a time when all the family isnt gathered, ask the person if theyd like to discuss and resolve what happened in the past. If (and only if) you and the other person seem to want to resolve things and are open to seeing one anothers point of view, this could be a constructive idea. Seeing where each of you may have misunderstood the other or behaved in a way you would change if you could, offering sincere apologies, and in other ways resolving the conflict can heal the relationship for the future.Forgive and forget. If it looks like such a civil meeting of the minds is unlikely, dont push it. Its probably a good idea to try to forgive the other person and let it go. Forgiving doesnt mean opening yourself up to feel wronged again; it only means that you let go of your feelings of resentment and anger. You can be careful in what you expect from this person in the future without actively harboring resentment, and youll be the one to benefit the most.  Minimi ze contact or cut the person out of your life. If what the other person did was abusive and theres absolutely no remorse or reason to expect things to be different in the future, you can severely limit your dealings with this person, or cut off contact altogether. This is normally a last-resort choice, but in cases of abuse, its sometimes a necessary one to make for your own emotional health.