COMIC: If we fight, is our love doomed? And other honest questions about conflict
September 9, 20265:01 AM ET
By
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Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Should we argue with the people we love? For Priya Parker, author of a book published in September, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, the answer is yes.
While many people dread conflict, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s necessary if we want to be in close, authentic relationships, says Parker. So when you have a moment of misalignment with someone, try thinking of it as a signal. There’s something here to talk about.
“We assume if the heat is rising, this must be bad. But the reframe is that there’s something relevant here. I should pay attention,” she says.
Parker, who has been a conflict resolution facilitator for 20 years, shares advice about common questions you may have about getting into fights — whether that’s with a partner, a family member or a friend.
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian for NPR
Navied Mahdavian is a New Yorker cartoonist and the author of the graphic memoir This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America.
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This digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is CJ Riculan. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and sign up for our newsletter.
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