Conflict is a natural component of any relationship. But is it possible to maintain a harmonious long-distance relationship? You will argue at some point, just like in any relationship. Arguments can still occur in a long-distance relationship. However, how you handle these conflicts will determine how the rest of your relationship will go. Talking with your partner about your preferences and taking the time to understand their viewpoint is a healthy method to resolve problems. When you and your long-distance partner start arguing over your opinions, you'll fight frequently.

Every relationship has its own set of difficulties, but long-distance relationships in particular present special difficulties. But for other couples, living apart is the best option for their emotional and professional needs and requirements. For example, long-distance relationships are the only option for couples where one partner must frequently travel for work and where living together is not physically possible.

Reasons for fights in long-term relationships

Dealing with disagreements and couple conflicts is one of the hardest tasks in long-distance relationships. While every couple has arguments, long-distance couples frequently experience more severe long-distance relationship issues.

They must address the following critical challenges:

• Not being capable of holding their hands while talking about challenging topics

• Not being able to fully and accurately understand each other's body language

• Not having enough time or the right conditions to discuss things.

The fact that you have different work schedules, live in different time zones, cannot manage time-sensitive issues that work for both of you and lack the necessary paperwork makes some subjects more challenging to discuss in a long-distance relationship. These important topics include:

• Arguing against bills for improper credit card charges

• Unable or unwilling to schedule the next trip by train or flight to meet up

• Being unable to actively plan or attend significant family and friend events

• You and your partner can't agree on how to spend your precious time together.

• Not having enough time or a good enough situation to handle one of you becoming ill or invaluable help.

Handling fights in long-distance relationships

What can you do, then, to improve your relationship? How you can build Intimacy? How do you handle arguments in long-distance relationships? How you can manage Dependence in a long-distance relationship? Here are some tested strategies for managing a distant relationship.

All of these suggestions might not be necessary, and you'll probably need to adapt them to fit your particular circumstances. With this advice from the best couple counselor on resolving arguments in a long-distance relationship, you will eventually develop into strong couples and problem-solvers!

• know what to talk about

How should conflicts be handled in a relationship? Make a list of the issues you need to discuss in person in order of importance. When you meet each other, there are so many things that might not occur to you. It is best to keep a list close at hand to avoid forgetting essential topics in the excitement of a long-awaited meeting.

• Holding hands

Always hold each other's hands or give each other hugs, especially when you're together and fighting. It would be the first time the two of you had met. Arguments shouldn't be allowed to happen.

• Becoming solution oriented

Stop complaining without first proposing a remedy, and start thinking of solutions! Arguments never seem to end. Fighting can also become more difficult in long-distance relationships because you are both separated from one another or are away from each other. Therefore, resolve long-distance relationship arguments by looking for a solution rather than concentrating on the issue because it might focus on the blame game.

• Listen

Avoid interrupting your partner when they are talking during an argument as one of the tips to resolve conflicts in a relationship. According to best psychologists, communication is more than just talking and giving your opinion. It also consists of developing your listening skills. To understand and sympathize, listen.

• Dispute Resolution

Practice this Disagreement Technique to resolve arguments in long-distance relationships rather than expressing your case or blaming your partner when you are trying to solve a problem. Discuss your emotions and problems as though your lover were present. Best relationship counsellor recommend using the pronoun "I" to communicate in the first person with your partner. You may initially feel uncomfortable using this technique, but you will obtain a greater understanding of your partner—and a better solution to your problem.

• Pick the correct time to bring up issues

Never try to resolve a heated argument in a long-distance relationship while one of you is tired or stressed out, has had a difficult day, or still has some that you want to complete. When you and your partner are both calm and at peace, contact or text your partner to talk about the issue if you and your partner frequently fight.

• Maintain a journal

You may assist yourself by reflecting on yourself and your relationship through journaling. Any or all of the following should be included:

• Why did I behave in such an ineffective or extremely emotional manner?

• Why do I believe my partner reacted the way they did to the circumstance?

• What do I recommend as a better approach?

Is it common for long-distance couples to fight regularly? Your disagreements in your long-distance relationship could be more severe on certain days than they are on others. However, this needs to be fixed if it has continued throughout your relationship. Keep in mind that every couple has misunderstandings, arguments, and mistakes. So keep in mind to stick to the advice given above for handling disputes in long-distance relationships. But if you are facing difficulties in dealing with your life because of these issues, you can book a relationship counselling session on India’s best online counselling platform TalkToAngel.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr Sakshi Kochhar Psychologist