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Dealing with a stubborn person in any aspect of life can be difficult, let alone when it’s your relationship. Here are five mistakes stubborn people make in relationships.
1. Power Struggle
The “power struggle” or what I like to call “tug of war,” is one of the biggest mistakes people make in relationships. As you already know, this “game” never plays out well. It’s an ongoing struggle that leaves at least one person feeling frustrated, unheard and defeated. If you consider yourself to be stubborn, you must realize that the harder you push, the harder your partner will pull away. Inferiority will always lead to resistance and resistance will always lead to more problems in your relationship. Remember, a healthy relationship is a balance one.
2. Placing Blame
No one likes to be wrong and/or guilty, I get it, but there has to come a time when you step back and stop pointing fingers. If you want your partner to change a behavior that feels disrespectful, then communicate your concern rather than making your loved one feel attacked and belittled. Expressing things in terms of how you feel takes away a sense of blaming, shaming, or attacking. Remember, it’s okay to be wrong once in awhile. After all, we’re all human.
3. Being Confrontational
Stubborn people tend to thrive off confrontation. It almost seems as though they find comfort in striking a cord in others. Although this behavior may work in some cases, it rarely ends well within relationships. Stubborn people tend to argue every issue no matter how insignificant it may be. This type of behavior is exhausting. If you’re one that considers yourself to be confrontational, remember that the only point you’re proving is that you’re incapable of dealing with issues in a healthy manner. Try taking the another route by proving your point in a calmer way and you’ll find you will be striking a much friendlier cord.
4. Not Giving Enough Space
Stubborn people have the most difficulty with giving the right amount of space after an argument. They’re notorious for either putting pressure on their partner or walking away with their head held high. After all is said and done, and your argument has been exacerbated, it’s time to let it go for a while. Take the time you BOTH need to digest the issue. Come back with a clear mind on how to move forward effectively without suffocating your relationship.
5. Not Taking The Time To Listen
We’ve all encountered that one person who LOVES to hear themselves speak. They focus the conversation more on their feelings then yours. Personally, I find this to be incredibly annoying. Shut up and listen already! Jeeze! Good communication is crucial in a healthy relationship. If you’re one that enjoys the spotlight, it may be time to stop interrupting and start listening. Ask questions to get clarification, this will show your partner that you’re truly trying to understand matters and make your relationship work.
