Can be resolved by healthy communication
From a national level of politics to international affairs, from policy makers to think tankers, and from inter-personal relationship to mass communication, clash of ideas is the ultimate bone of contention in handling & balancing a person’s life to world affairs.
From ideological battles to armed wars, clash of ideas define or destroy the destiny of people and countries. The modern world has developed lots of technologies and strategies to tackle and to deal with these clashes among countries, but hardly any strategy works when it comes to clash of ideas between two people.
So in order to maintain their present lifestyle and to shape their future, they must work on their own strategy. In order to minimize conflicts and issues in relationships, the first thing you have to do is “Molding minds”. Make up your mind instead of focusing on others, because it’s one thing to change your mind, but it’s another thing to change someone else. Although it’s not easy to leave your stance but you don’t need to behave emotionally or possessively, just play logically. At times, while dealing with relationships, we have to play positive mind games but carefully.
In minimizing tensions, you must be well aware of the power of negotiations between two countries, similarly, you must be familiar with the miracles of love & sincere concerns to sort out varying matters of contradictions between two people. Its love or negotiations, this all comes under the umbrella of healthy communication. So the perfect way to deal with clash of ideas is to have a “healthy communication”.
“Talking and walking” is always a good way to go. Talk to each other about each and every thing going on in your minds because self-thinking and self-analysis initiates misunderstandings and distance. Don’t overdo it, at times we build strong infrastructure of our relationships by our own, without the input of the other, which is not a praising thing. You just can’t judge someone accurately while staying far away; you need to have a discussion to know others point of view and change in temperature.
Clash of ideas can even be tamed and can be turned into a workable environment; like one can have contradictions with other one in personal life and can still be very okay while working as professionals and vice versa. At some point, two people may strongly agree with each other while on other points they may frequently remain in competition. This approach makes them to have great debates, because it is difficult to compromise in different situations to agree on. So this can be turned into big dilemmas.
Clash of ideas can even be tamed and can be turned into a workable environment; like one can have contradictions with other one in personal life and can still be very okay while working as professionals and vice versa. At some point, two people may strongly agree with each other while on other points they may frequently remain in competition. This approach makes them to have great debates, because it is difficult to compromise in different situations to agree on. So this can be turned into big dilemmas.
Healthy communication, especially in maintaining intimate relationships does miracles. It is crucial not just in solving problems, but also in building a level of trust; which is the basic building block of every relationship. On the flip side, a communication gap can be the biggest hurdle in creating more spaces, confusions, and misunderstandings. Misunderstandings may be prolonged by self-thinking and without having mutual concerns, particularly when emotions are involved. So while having feelings for each other, a clash of ideas removes the glue to bind two together. As ideas come from different perceptions and perceptions comes from different environments and backgrounds. Two people from different backgrounds must have different habits, likes and dislikes, they may have varying thinking patterns; but if they come close together and have developed feelings, this can be an indication that they have almost same nature.
You may be aware with the school of thought that couples are made in heaven. This means that God has created two with the same nature and then send them on earth. No matter in different corners of the world but it is destined that one day they will meet each other and fall with one another just because of their resemblance in nature. At this beautiful stage, do not focus much on the clash of ideas but on the ways to remove contradictions. Healthy communication skills are one of them. So clear your mind and stop indulging in wandering thoughts. Listen to the other person carefully and pay proper attention on what he or she is saying. At times, just listening can resolves all the problems. One must be good listener as compared to good speaker. Make your partner realizes that you are paying attention on what he/she is telling you with your active listening body gestures and facial expressions. Time is the greatest gift; give your precious time first, spending some time together while listening to your partner can be the best way to go. Then respond constructively with mutual acknowledgment. Try to avoid unwanted advice, recommendations and unnecessary suggestions, only provide your services if the other is in willingly need of it. You don’t even need to give your clarifications if your partner doesn’t want to listen to you. Listening and then responding appropriately though seems thorny but this is the most constructively technical way to tackle a clash of ideas.
Besides that, if you are requested to speak up then speak only about the beautiful things & ideas of mutual interest. There is no need to repeat and discuss the previous mistakes and misapprehensions; talk about a thoughtful present and cherishing Future.
The article was written in October 2014
