17 Tips to Avoid Conflicts and Improve Your Relationships

Learn how to effectively avoid or resolve arguments with your partners, family members, or work colleagues. Discover how to turn them into constructive and enriching moments....

Table of Contents

1. Why Do Conflicts Arise?
2. How to Stop a Fight: Simple Strategies to Calm Tensions
3. Facing Conflict Constructively
4. Keeping Peace at Work (and Surviving the Coffee Machine)
5. Star Tips from a Colleague
6. Ready to Improve Your Relationships?

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In a world full of daily conversations and inevitable clashes 😅, conflicts arise faster than new memes! But did you know you can minimize disputes and, in the process, improve the quality of your relationships?

As a psychologist (and yes, also an astrology fan), I’ve seen it all: from couples throwing indirect jabs over WhatsApp to coworkers arguing about who stole the yogurt from the fridge. That’s why here’s my practical guide with 17 foolproof tips to avoid war and build healthier, more pleasant relationships.

Why Do Conflicts Arise?

I’ll make it simple: when you talk to someone close—whether your partner, your mom, or that intense colleague—you can come away with ideas or... end up with a headache 🚑. If conflicts drain you, keep reading, because there are immediate and simple actions you can apply in your daily life.

How to Stop a Fight: Simple Strategies to Calm Tensions

1. Really Listen (Don’t Just Hear)

Have you ever found yourself planning your response in your head while someone else is talking? I have, a thousand times 🙋‍♀️. Make the effort to listen to understand, not to reply.

• “I’m here to listen.” It’s as simple as saying it and, truly, it works to help the other person lower their guard.


• Psychologist’s tip: Repeat in your own words what you understood to show you’ve been paying attention.

2. Stay Calm (Even If You Feel Like Yelling)

Master your emotions. If things get tense, step aside and take a breath. You can say: “I need a moment to calm down, then we’ll continue.” This way you’ll prevent the conflict from turning into an all-out battle.

Extra tip: Set clear boundaries, like: “I don’t accept yelling or insults.” This way you protect yourself and the relationship. 🛑

3. Cultivate Respect (Yes, Even When They Drive You Crazy)

Arguments can be devastating if you go for the jugular. Speak about your concerns calmly and without hurtful words. Avoid interrupting and listen until the end (even if the temptation to interrupt is strong).

4. Moderate Your Tone of Voice

Speaking softly and calmly conveys empathy and can put out the fire before it starts. If you notice the argument is escalating, ask for a pause and resume later.

5. Connect, Don’t Compete

Use conflict as an opportunity to get closer. I gave this advice in a workshop and a participant told me that by applying it, she saved a friendship. Do the same: ask why the other person feels that way and look for common ground to build a bridge.

I also suggest reading: 10 Ways to Improve Your Mood and Feel Great

Facing Conflict Constructively

6. Maintain a Receptive Attitude

Don’t become a wall of opinions. Open the door to new ideas and acknowledge emotions—both yours and the other person’s.

7. Focus on What Matters

You don’t always have to be right. Ask yourself: What am I trying to achieve with this discussion? If the goal is understanding and resolution, you’re on the right track.

8. Take a Break if Necessary

Sometimes you need pauses. As I once told a patient: “No good solution comes when both are at their limit.” Take your time and come back with a clear head.

9. Put Yourself in the Other Person’s Shoes

This sounds cliché, but it’s magical. Imagine what they feel, where they come from, and why they react that way. I assure you tension decreases and better results emerge.

10. Know (and Respect) Your Limits

If the conversation overwhelms you, say so: “I need to think about this, can we talk tomorrow?” This way you avoid frustration exploding.

11. Learn from Every Conflict

Did it go badly? Reflect: what can I change next time? We all mess up, but we can learn and improve.

Keeping Peace at Work (and Surviving the Coffee Machine)

12. Resolve Misunderstandings Quickly

Don’t let problems grow like a snowball. Act promptly and opt for transparent dialogue so the work environment is less toxic and more collaborative.

13. Stay Focused on the Goal

In meetings or debates, remember what the discussion is about and don’t get carried away by emotions or distractions. Personal attacks? Avoid them at all costs!

14. Pick Your Battles (Not All Are Worth It)

Don’t wear yourself out arguing over trivial things. Decide which topics really affect your work and which you can let go. If your coworker leaves the window open... well, breathe, maybe it’s not that important.

15. Leave the Past in the Past

What’s done is done (the song says so!). If you’ve already resolved a conflict, forget it and move on. This helps reinforce trust and harmony.

16. Try to Resolve Before Asking for External Help

Before calling the boss or HR, try talking on your own or with a trusted colleague as an informal mediator. This shows maturity and encourages an environment of self-management and respect.

17. Seek Professional Help if Things Don’t Improve

If you can’t resolve a conflict, turn to a professional specialized in conflict management. Sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what you need to unblock the situation.

Star Tips from a Colleague

I had the opportunity to talk with renowned psychologist Dr. Laura García to bring you a fresh and valuable perspective on interpersonal relationships 👩‍⚕️💬.

• Effective Communication: Express what you feel assertively but always respecting others’ points of view.


• Active Listening: Pay true attention to the other person (without already thinking about your response). Ask questions to show your interest.


• Empathy: Ask yourself: “How would I feel in their place?” This simple exercise generates deep understanding and reduces misunderstandings.


• Setting Boundaries: Learn to say “no” and protect yourself from emotional overloads. It’s the best antidote against resentment.


• Patience and Tolerance: Remember that we all have bad days and different lessons to learn. Patience strengthens bonds.

Dr. García always says: “We can’t change others or control their actions, but we can work on ourselves and how we respond.” Wise words! ✨

I also suggest reading: How to Make the Most of Your Life—Don’t Waste a Second!

Ready to Improve Your Relationships?

Building harmonious relationships isn’t magic (although if you have it, use it!). It’s about practice, self-awareness, and willingness to improve day by day.

Now, I challenge you: which tip will you apply first? With whom would you like to put it into practice today? Start with small changes and you’ll see how your bonds grow stronger, and the atmosphere around you becomes much healthier.

Don’t let conflicts steal your peace or good mood! 😉 Get to work and tell me later how it went.

Are you willing to try?

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