How to take the high road

There is a saying.... always take the high road. This is such an important concept, especially in relationships.

Often, when there is a disagreement with 2 people and they each really would like to mend things, but ‘the other one’ keeps causing issues, it can lead to an unproductive communication cycle.

Let me explain:

Person A decides to take the high road by reaching out to person B in an attempt to resolve a misunderstanding. If person B is still upset, they may not be ready to resolve the conflict and may not communicate that in the best way. This could lead person A to get wound-up all over again.

Person B might eventually realize that they were not their best self and attempt to do better the next time. When person B then takes the high road, person A is not meeting them there because they are upset again.

And the cycle continues.

What if we always strive to take the high road? Now this doesn’t mean allowing someone to disrespect you, but it does mean understanding that we all make mistakes, not holding a grudge, and deciding to do what is needed to work things out.

Maybe you can get right back to where you were, maybe you realize that you just have different standards, and both are ok. Dealing with conflict in healthy ways allows us to move forward, learn, and grow. 

Here are some ways to take the high road during conflict:

• Dealing with confrontation with kindness & understanding
• Self awareness / check your own feelings
• Get out of your own way
• Understanding when others aren't ready to talk
• Not taking their timeframe as a personal attack 

Conflict cannot survive when only one person participates.

Remember, we care for each other and staying in a state of conflict only separates us and brings everyone down. Communication, patience, and working through disagreements are all skills we can practice. 

Healthy relationships and connections are fundamental to bring joy and happiness into our lives.