Parenthood

Relationship Advice for Parents: How can we reconnect after a fight?

by ParentCo. May 29, 2015

man and women standing in front of a brick wall few feet apart not looking at each other

Dear Angela,

My husband and I have a tough time reconnecting after a fight - even when we both agree that the actual fight is over. How can we really let go of whatever we were arguing about and just be cool with each other?

Signed,

Stuck in argument purgatory

Dear Stuck in argument purgatory,

Lets first recognize the fact that youve worked out the problem and come to a resolution. Give yourselves credit for that because not everyone reaches this point.

And then lets talk about that thin layer of grit and grime left behind after a really good fight. Its unavoidable - like the hangover you get when you know youre drinking too much but you dont really want to stop yet. I'm sure there was a point during your fight when you knew you shouldnt have said that, but you were so angry that you let it fly anyway. And now youre not drunk anymore, but you sure are dehydrated/feeling guilty/you were on the receiving end of the hurtful words, and you cant figure out how to truly let it go.

I've lost the metaphor, but let me offer four argument hangover cures that are sure to encourage that feeling of reconnection.

4) Remember that - ultimately - you two are on the same side. This can be tough after spending an hour (if we're conservative) arguing for opposite things or feeling as though you werent being understood. But really, if your relationship is fundamentally sound then the two of you are teammates who can disagree and then get back to playing together.

Just like Riggins and Smash.

3) Pretend it never happened. This requires some Jedi mind trickery, which is super handy in many circumstances so why not master the skill for this purpose? Im not saying forget what happened or the outcome of the argument - especially if progress was made or a new agreement was forged. Im just saying pretend all the good stuff existed without the fight and move on.

2) Hug it out. The power of the hug is undeniable. Even a casual embrace raises levels of oxytocin in the blood - promoting a sense of contentment and reducing anxiety. These things are exactly what you need after a fight. Youll also need to ignore the cynical voice in your head telling you to stay away from your partner because right now, the best thing to do is move closer closer

1) Have sex with each other. Ill see your hug and raise you two naked people. (Or something like that. I dont gamble.) You see, another fabulous side effect of hugging is that it will often make you want more. Sex is the positive redirection of all that energy and emotion you expended on the argument. Doing it will remind you both that you have much better ways to spend your time.

(It always worked for David and Maddie.)

ParentCo.

Author

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