QUESTION: Conflicts: how to recognize triggers and prepare for dialogue?

Successful resolution of any conflicts begins with the ability to timely recognize your own triggers and properly prepare for the upcoming difficult dialogue. On the topic of conflicts, it is always worth starting with deep internal observation: what exactly sets off your violent reaction, how it physically feels in your body, and what automatic actions you take next. For example, an interlocutor's sharp rise in voice or a certain wording of a phrase can instantly cause a rapid heartbeat, jaw tension, and a desire to defend oneself or attack. Such awareness gives you a clear point to change your behavior and move from defense to dialogue.

Once the trigger is discovered and realized, it is necessary to build a plan to prepare for the conversation itself so that it does not escalate into another destructive squabble. Changing response habits in conflicts is best planned in small steps, setting aside five minutes of mindful preparation a day, using reminders and internal rewards for self-control. Before starting an important discussion, it is helpful to write down your true interests and expectations, as well as try to understand what hidden needs lie behind your opponent's aggressive stance.