← Measured Responses in Conflict Conflict Skill-Building →

Relationship Breakdown

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Cinnie Noble

Some interpersonal disputes result in a breakdown of the relationship and ending it altogether. There may have been repeated conflicts – one too many – or one that is so egregious that there is no way to save the impact on trust and other of our values. In many cases, such an outcome is devastating and a huge loss to both of us and even those around us. In other cases, the destructive way we continue to relate is evident and we tend to hold on long after the thin thread maintaining the connection has frayed.

It can be very hard to end relationships – even some that are destructive to our well-being. It might take a while before we acknowledge that things are too broken and accept a total parting of ways is a necessity to maintain our health and well-being.

This week’s Conflict Mastery Quest(ions) blog asks you to consider a dispute in which it occurs to you that ending the relationship is necessary as things have broken down beyond repair.

What happened with respect to the dispute you have in mind?
What more specifically occurred that has resulted in you thinking the relationship has broken down?
What did you initially like about the other person? What don’t you like now?
What are you afraid of if the relationship ends?
What else would not be good if the relationship ended?
What good could come of ending the relationship?
If the relationship continued what would have to happen to make it work?
How might you contribute to making it work, if you want it to?
What are you experiencing as you consider the possibility of the relationship ending?
What are you experiencing if you consider the relationship mending?
What else occurs to you as you consider these questions?
What insights do you have?