The Top Tip to Avoid Escalating an Argument: HALT!
Do you sometimes notice that, when you get irritated with a partner and try to discuss it, it spins out of control quickly and becomes a full-on argument? Here's a tip: before you say anything, HALT. Check yourself! Are you: H ungry? Hunger can be physical or emotional. Physically, we all know we need to eat. Sometimes, we make the mistake of eating poorly- filling ourselves with food that doesn't actually nourish us. Make sure you're eating good, balanced meals. If you are physically hungry, stop and eat something before you do anything else. Emotionally, you may feel some unmet need and not be able to identify it. Do you feel a lack of understanding? Appreciation? Validation? If the time is right, discuss that instead. A ngry? Anger is a perfectly normal reaction to situations we encounter in life. Often, we're angry about something even before we realize we're angry. If something a partner does sparks an angry reaction, stop and think about where th...