How to cope with the fear of confrontation and learn to stand up for your opinion

We've all had this frightening conversation. With a boss, a loved one, a neighbor or a teenage son - you know exactly what kind of conversation we are talking about. You put it off until the last moment, but it couldn't go on like this anymore. As scary as it was, one day the moment came to speak frankly.

We have all experienced the fear of confrontation at least once in our lives. Of course, anxiety before an important and difficult conversation is absolutely natural. However, if it is so strong that every time it prevents you from expressing your opinion, it's time to change something.

How to overcome the fear of confrontation

1. Edit Personal Script

Start by defining the word "confrontation" itself. What meaning do you put into it? Perhaps for you this is a manifestation of aggression, and you treat it like a battle in which there can be only one winner. Or your past experience has taught you that any confrontation should be avoided because it ends in pain, resentment and regret.

In fact, confrontation at its core is just a difference of opinions and ideas, and the expectation of its catastrophic consequences is our own self-fulfilling prophecy. Try to look at it from a positive side. When you change the script in your head, overcoming anxiety will be easier.

The fear of confrontation is born in us when we treat it not as a respectful debate, but as an emotional squabble that will definitely get out of control and will inevitably end up with one winning, and the other will lose. Once you understand that differing opinions don't necessarily lead to ugly swearing, you can be more courageous in explaining your point of view.

So the next time you have to talk to another person or group of people, stop and analyze your understanding of the situation. Make sure you enter into a dialogue without negativity. Mood always affects the outcome of a conversation.

2. Learn to "rock the boat" with pleasure

Once you've rethought what confrontation is, allow yourself to enjoy "rocking the boat."

The only way to get what you want is to ask and believe that it is necessary. Of course, you cannot control the reactions and actions of another person. However, you also can't get what you don't ask for. As long as you keep doing what you do, you will keep getting what you got.

Try to approach the confrontation with more lightheartedness and humor. Laughter lifts your spirits, relieves stress and helps you connect with others, which means that the conversation will definitely work out.

3. Get rid of the desire to please everyone

The fear of confrontation is usually associated with the person himself, and not with other people. If you are guided by an inner desire to always please others, you will avoid conflicts. As a rule, such an attitude comes from childhood, when you want to please everyone aroundto earn approval.

Moreover, if we grow up in a neglectful and overly critical environment, it is difficult for us to defend our position. We learn that it is much safer to remain silent and keep a low profile. But it was like that in childhood, and we have long been adults and conscious people. It's time to cheer up your inner child and tell him that his opinion and thoughts matter.

Try to deliberately disappoint others. Sounds a little crazy, but it works. Start with situations where the stakes are not too high, such as answering a resounding "no" to a request for a small favor, even if you can provide it.

Skill say no can actually change your life for the better. This simple word helps to set personal boundaries and thus take care of yourself. The more often you meet respect for your views and desires when you say “no”, the easier it will be for you to express your opinion.

Let's say a loved one asked you to stop by the store on your way home and buy his favorite sweets. It's easy for you to do this. But instead of "yes," say, "Sorry, I can't." Don't explain why unless you want to lie and make up a reason.

At first, the very idea that you won't please someone can scare you. But with practice, you will gain inner strength, realize that other people accept your answers, begin to take confrontation much more calmly, and find the courage to speak your mind.

Things to remember during a confrontation

Asking the Right Questions

When asking about something, be inquisitive rather than blaming your opponent. Try not only to listen, but also to hear the other person. Look at the situation from his point of view. You may notice that you accidentally missed something important.

Do not divide everything into black and white

Keep in mind that your opponent, just like you, is trying to understand the opposite point of view. Be patient, even if he fails. Do not be too categorical: your main task is to understand each other and establish a constructive dialogue.

Find common ground with your opponent

Think of something that you agree on or that you can laugh about together. No matter how we argue with others, we have much more in common than it seems at first glance.

Give everyone a say

Another method that works well in confrontations is to allow everyone to speak freely without interruption. First, one speaks, and the other listens, and then in his own words tells what he understood from what he heard. If the interpretation is correct, it is his turn to explain his point of view, which is summarized by the opponent.

This technique helps to trace exactly where misunderstandings arise and resolve all misunderstandings before they develop into a serious conflict.