Resolving Conflicts

Rahul and Priya have their first small disagreement about a decision and learn how to talk it through calmly.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya

Key words and phrases

disagreementa difference of opinion between peopleThey had a small disagreement about the budget.

misunderstandinga failure to understand something correctlyIt was just a misunderstanding, not a real fight.

calm downto become less angry or upsetThey both took a moment to calm down.

apologizeto say sorry for somethingRahul apologized for raising his voice.

point of viewa person's own way of thinking about somethingTry to understand her point of view too.

listento pay attention to what someone saysIt's important to listen without interrupting.

resolveto find a solution to a problemThey resolved the issue calmly.

spacetime alone to think or cool downSometimes he just needs some space to think.

communicateto share thoughts or feelings clearly with someoneThey try to communicate openly with each other.

patiencethe ability to stay calm while waiting or dealing with problemsMarriage teaches you a lot about patience.

compromisean agreement reached by each side giving up somethingThey reached a compromise about the holiday plans.

blameto hold someone responsible for a problemInstead of blaming each other, they looked for a solution.

overreactto respond to something with more emotion than neededI think I overreacted to your comment.

forgiveto stop feeling angry toward someone for a mistakePriya was quick to forgive him.

tonethe quality of a voice that expresses feelingHe noticed his tone was harsher than he intended.

assumptionsomething believed to be true without proofHe made an assumption instead of asking her directly.

reconcileto become friendly again after a disagreementThey reconciled after a short walk outside.

cool offto let strong feelings settle before talking againThey both needed a few minutes to cool off.

empathythe ability to understand and share another person's feelingsShowing empathy helped them resolve the issue faster.

trusta firm belief in someone's honesty and reliabilityEvery disagreement they solve builds more trust.

Useful sentences

Ask Can we talk about what happened earlier?
Answer Yes, I think we should sort this out calmly.
Ask I'm sorry for raising my voice earlier. Can you forgive me?
Answer Of course, I understand you were just frustrated.
Ask Can you help me understand your point of view?
Answer Sure, let me explain how I was feeling.
Ask Do you need some space to think it over?
Answer A little, but let's talk again in an hour.
Ask Have we resolved this now?
Answer Yes, I feel much better talking it through.
Ask Do you think we can reach a compromise?
Answer Yes, if we both give a little.
Ask Were you assuming I was upset without asking me?
Answer Yes, I made an assumption instead of asking you.
Ask Should we stop blaming each other and find a solution?
Answer Yes, that would help us so much more.
Ask Did my tone sound harsh to you?
Answer A little, but I know you didn't mean it.
Ask Can we try to trust each other more after this?
Answer Definitely, every talk like this builds our trust.

Dialogue

PriyaI don't think you understood what I meant earlier.

RahulYou're right, I think I misunderstood. Can you explain again?

PriyaI just wanted us to plan the weekend together, not decide alone.

RahulThat makes sense. I'm sorry, I should have asked you first.

PriyaIt's okay. Let's plan it together now.

RahulDeal. Thanks for talking it through with me.

PriyaI appreciate that you listened instead of getting defensive.

RahulI want us to always communicate like this, calmly.

PriyaMe too. A little patience goes a long way.

RahulAgreed. Now let's go plan that weekend trip.

Common mistakes

Saying "We are having fight" instead of "We are having a disagreement" or "We had a small fight" (use the article "a" with "fight").
Saying "Sorry for that" only, instead of a full apology like "I'm sorry for raising my voice" (be specific about what you're apologizing for).
Saying "I need space from you" (which sounds like ending the relationship) instead of "I need some space to think" when you just need time alone.
Saying "Don't blame on me" instead of "Don't blame me" — the verb "blame" takes a direct object without "on."
Saying "I am agree with you" instead of "I agree with you" — "agree" is a verb, not used with "am."
Saying "Let's cool down" when calming a heated moment, instead of "Let's cool off" — "cool down" is used for temperature, "cool off" for emotions.

Quick quiz

1. What word means a failure to understand something correctly?

2. Complete: "Rahul ___ for raising his voice."

3. What word means the ability to stay calm while dealing with problems?

4. What word means an agreement reached by each side giving up something?

5. Complete: "They ___ after a short walk outside."

6. What word means the ability to understand and share another person's feelings?

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