Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Fight Fair

I came upon this list today. I needed it two days ago. Maybe you'll need it tomorrow: (source)
Fight-Rules
  • Know what you’re fighting about

  • Stick to one subject only

  • Be direct - say how you feel, say what you require

  • Choose the time of your battles carefully

  • Keep quarrels private

  • Don’t read your partner’s mind

  • Don’t expect your partner to read your mind

  • Don’t Blame

  • Own your own feelings - this means starting sentences with ‘I feel’, not ‘you make me feel’

  • Don’t talk each other down

  • Don’t hit below the belt

  • Don’t wear the belt too high

  • Don’t bring up past fights and use them as ammunition for the present one

  • Actively listen

  • No physical Violence

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

There's a great book out called "Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high". It talks about many of these same things, and addresses communication both at home and in the work place.