Fair Fighting Rules

DON’T

Mimic or mock others

Hit, punch, pinch, shove, restrain, etc., or threaten to do so

Stand up and yell

Make faces

Name call

Get stuck in the past

Run away from the issue

Say “Forget it…tough…I don’t care… so what..” etc.

Get the last word in

Have to win

Say “always” or “never”

Interrupt


DO

Share Feelings

Stick to one issue at a time.

Sit down and Talk

Take time outs as needed

Listen

Focus on behavior, not the person as a whole

Make regular eye contact

Be flexible. Have the option to change your mind.

Be open to negotiation

Own what you say