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Conflict in marriage is challenging. And most of us have an autopilot approach that we take when we respond to conflict.
Perhaps you are the person who likes to choose Avoidance.
This response can be good or bad, so let’s look deeper.
Conflict and Avoiding
Avoidance is part of the “fight or flight” emotions we often have when we feel in danger. All of us experience these emotions.
What are signs of Avoidance when we have conflict in our marriage?
- We shutdown emotionally
- We take the blame to move on
- We leave the house or room
- We minimize the problem
- We leave things unresolved
- We avoid the deeper issues
- We overlook our spouse’s behavior
Conflict is normal in healthy relationships. But none of these behaviors help us build more intimacy in our relationship. So why do we do choose this?
Why is Avoidance common?
The first reason is that Avoidance is attractive on the surface. Why?
Because it offers a temporary solution to our pain and anxiety. The underlying issues that led to the conflict are not addressed and we settle into an inauthentic peace. But at least we feel better now.
Another reason is that Avoidance allows us to avoid escalating the situation. This is a valid concern since escalating doesn’t work either and many of us fear losing control of our emotions.
Yet there is an alternative. We can choose to take a time-out and then return to the situation later. This is smart and when couples understand the dynamic it is a wonderful approach to maintaining the relationship.
There is also this reason. Many Christians believe that Avoidance is the way that Jesus would want them to handle conflict.
However, a close reading of the gospels, shows that Jesus rarely avoided conflict with those he disagreed with. Even more, he usually spoke his mind to those listening. Even with his disciples he could be very blunt when needed. Yet through it all he maintained the value of truth. See Matthew 16:23
Jesus understood that authenticity may hurt but it does not harm a healthy relationship.
Extreme Avoidance
In extreme cases, Avoidance is a denial of reality. We are trying to convince ourselves that something is true even though all of the evidence says otherwise. When this happens we are redefining truth and embracing a make-believe world that eventually crumbles and reveals reality. If you are in this situation you should seek help from others that you trust.
Losing Marriage Intimacy
For this reason, using Avoidance, as a regular approach to resolving marital conflict, is to choose a lose-lose solution. Why?
Avoidance doesn’t save your marriage It doesn’t make peace. It doesn’t draw you both together. It doesn’t value truth. It doesn’t lead to intimacy. It doesn’t help you grow to maturity.
Instead it weakens your marriage by driving intimacy out and replacing it with acting and hiding. It builds a fake-peace.
That is why biblical intimacy is not possible when we regularly use Avoidance to work through marital conflict.
Overlooking an Offense
I need to mention that Avoidance should not be confused with a “overlooking an offense”.
Overlooking an offense is choosing to not react to something your spouse has done or said because it is truly inconsequential. We have a choice in this area and we should use it wisely. There are some things that might offend us but which are not that important.
But let’s be honest, how often are we prone to “overlook an issue” today and then tomorrow bring it up with our spouse. That’s called “keeping a record of wrongs” See 1 Corinthians 13
Late Night Conflict
In our marriage, Lou Ann and I have gotten into heated discussions (“fights”) late in the evening. It never goes well.
We have now learned to call a time-out when the emotions and complexity of the issue are more than we can handle at that time.
Ideally, bedtime should be relaxing. Both of us are usually tired. If we allowed the conflict to proceed under those conditions it would cause a sleepless night and our emotions would be amplified.
Rescheduling the discussion for the next day is a much wiser solution for both of us.
But what if an issue needs to be resolved asap?
My recommendation is to take a brief time-out (a few minutes), individually list the fears/concerns underlying your side of the disagreement, discuss and choose the best solution.
In some cases, we only need to come up with a temporary solution for the next morning. We can then develop a full solution the next day when we are better prepared and more emotionally relaxed.
The Good Type of Avoidance
Avoidance is occasionally a good thing. It is necessary when a spouse or situation is physically threatening or abusive.
In those situations, avoidance, followed by seeking immediate outside support is the best decision.
Many who chose Avoidance, as a lifestyle, can become involved in abusive situations that go on for months and years. Both men and women can fall into this pattern.
If you think this might be you, get some help from a trusted friend or counselor. It is the most loving thing to do.
100 Reasons to avoid Avoidance
I’ve listed several and here’s a recap on why Avoidance is normally a bad approach to having a better marriage.
- It leads to the delusion that avoided issues are now resolved
- It ignores God’s command for reconciliation Matthew 18:15-17
- It is disrespectful because we are refusing to engage
- It compounds the emotion because the issue arises again
- It leads to disrespect and bitterness within hearts
- It devalues both spouses and their perspectives
- It doesn’t glorify God because it lacks faith in His Word
- It doesn’t support truth or transparency
- It sacrifices intimacy for convenience
What’s Behind our Avoidance
At its root, Avoidance is often about giving into our fears and denying our worth in the relationship.
Neither of these are taught in the Bible nor does God encourage us to do them.
Real Christians don’t avoid, they act maturely.
In biblical conflict, both spouses step up and communicate. Both have worth and they deserve to be heard. Both listen, consider, pray about it and respond respectfully.
Avoidance then becomes a poor substitute for learning to collaborate over our differences in marriage.
So avoid Avoidance as a strategy in your marriage and work to invest in your marriage.
Quotes to Consider:
But avoidance allows you to believe that you’re making all kinds of strides when you’re not. – Liz Murray
Pain in this life is not avoidable, but the pain we create avoiding pain is avoidable. ― R.D. Laing
Questions:
- When do you use Avoidance? Why?
- If using Avoidance, what do you fear will happen if you don’t?
- Who in your past used Avoidance during conflict?
How did it improve their relationship? - Have you used a Timeout before? Should you talk about it?
- Who do you need to talk to about your use of Avoidance?
Scripture
Matthew 18:15
1 John 4:18
There is a clear example of Avoidance in 2 Samuel starting in Chapter 13. It involves the relational conflict between King David and his son, Absalom. David is avoiding conflict and it does not go well for him. This example goes on for several chapters and demonstrates how David’s choice to avoid the situation ultimately led to serious consequences for David, Absalom and the Kingdom.
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