The Life-Changing Magic of Being Willing to Have Difficult Conversations

Just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s bad.

This last week has brought a host of difficult conversations between me and my partner. The topics vary — the children’s hair appointments, finding a skincare routine, navigating customer service protocol at the flower shop.

Oftentimes the topic itself is surface, aka not that fucking serious. It’s almost always something that shouldn’t cause so much emotional intensity. Life is happening as usual and then lightning strikes. All of a sudden we find ourselves in the middle of a storm, needing to find our way out.

Conflict is a normal part of all enduring relationships. It cracks us wide open and demands that we go inward to investigate what’s at the root. So many of us lack skillfulness to navigate conflict, and I think it’s why so many beautiful relationships crumble. I’ve been exploring conflict in my personal and professional life for a few years now, and it’s taught me a lot.