Communication FUNdamentals

Jan. 23, 2008

Tips for Avoiding an Argument: Tip#4 Avoid Attacking the Person; Focus on the Issue

A new year brings some new Tuesday Tips and over the next few weeks, I am going to share some tips for avoiding an argument.  Tip #4 for avoiding an argument:  Avoid Attacking the Person; Focus on the Issue. It's human nature to attack when we are threatened.  So when we are angry or upset our tendancy is to attack verbally.  This war of words will never resolve the issue at hand, but will heighten the emotional content and turn any discussion into an argument.  Why? The other person's nature will prompt him to retaliate and so on and so on.  "You're lazy!"  is a personal attack on his character.  What she means is she doesn't want him leaving his clothes on the floor.  Sometimes people attack personally because they are not sure how to deal with the real issue.  They don't know how to broach the subject or perhaps they are not even angry at him for leaving his clothes on the floor twice this month, but are really upset because they had a bad day! The Lord loves the sinner but deals with the sin.  We should also love those with whom we are in conflict but should deal with the issue.    For more Communication tips, subscribe to our new weekly eNewsletter:  Communication Tip of the Week! From JoJo's Purple Crayon...

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