NOBODY can exactly say or do the right thing all the time. So it is easy to misinterpret what you say or do and misconstrue your motive. Nevertheless, it is possible to enjoy a measure of peace and harmony with others.
It is also important to remember that differences of opinion do not necessarily mean that your family life is disintegrating. How you handle disagreements can determine how tranquil or hostile your home environment will be.
Herewith are some reminders that may help us to avoid conflict, keep peace, and reinforce lasting bonds in our family, if some of us have already forgotten them.
Keep your volume down and your tone conciliatory. One family member’s impatience can easily rouse another’s anger. Resist the urge to be sarcastic, to be insulting, or to raise your voice, no matter how you may feel.
Carefully consider what needs to be said and how to say it. Say something to soothe your loved one’s hurt feelings. And rather than dictating how he or she should feel, humbly ask for clarification and express thanks for any help or insight you may receive.
Explain what you will do to rectify the situation. You can apologize for getting irritated, responding the way you did or unintentionally contributing to the upset, although you are convinced that you have done nothing wrong. Do not let negative emotions cause you to lose sight of your main objective which is maintaining peace.
Stop retaliating. It takes two to argue but when one begins listening instead of speaking, a heated exchange may start to cool down. Therefore, resist the urge to retaliate when provoked. Maintain your self-respect and dignity by controlling yourself.
Acknowledge your family member’s feelings. Active and empathetic listening without interrupting or prejudging can do much to quell anger and restore peace.
Give yourself time to cool down. If your emotions are volatile, it may be wise to excuse yourself politely and walk away for a short while to cool down.
This is not being uncooperative or evasive, nor is it the silent treatment where someone refuses to communicate. Rather, this is perhaps a good time to pray to God for patience, insight, and understanding.
Do not give up maintaining peace in your home. Even when some of your family members do not seem to cooperate with you, it is still worth the effort to be a peacemaker because those who promote peace is assured to experience joy sooner or later.