How Do You Handle Conflicts in a Relationship?

One needs to be calm even if other is provoking. Listen to the statements and see if its actually concern or is it just yelling. If it is concern , address it right then and there and show empathy. Should get most issues resolved. If it is plain yelling on things , it is better to wait and watch. Dealing with conflicts , one need to be calm and composed. Deep breaths as you suggested could calm down the nerves and get the thoughts and feelings cleared up. Just focus on the core issue , and see if things can be resolved. If there are lot of conflicts, it would be better not to pursue that relationship!

That all sounds great, but let's be real for a second: are you really going to do that when you get into a heated disagreement? Probably not, and probably not right away, either. I do agree when things come up, and neither side agrees, and things get to the point where you want to yell or shout to step away and cool down. Sometimes it is best to just go to bed angry or do something else and let the steam come off before both return. Yes, get emotional control. Its okay to be emotional and show emotions even when upset; sometimes, we need to vent before we can actually move forward and talk like adults. But not everyone and their relationship will go so smoothly in real life. You have listed out what you would do, and maybe your partner will follow the same way, but that is not how every relationship will work. Some need to scream and shout and let it all out before they can be calm adults. Sometimes, it's better to let those emotions out than to try to shove them back inside.

I try to handle conflict exactly as you have advised.

I agree! I am non confrontational person, so it becomes difficult for me to communicate clearly about my feelings!