Priya Parker, author of "The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict", argues that conflict is necessary for close and authentic relationships. According to Parker, who has 20 years of experience as a conflict resolution facilitator, conflicts can be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement in relationships. She suggests reframing arguments as signals that there's something relevant to discuss. Parker shares advice on navigating common questions about getting into fights with loved ones.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-09,
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same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Priya Parker, 20-year conflict resolution facilitator, claims that conflict can actually help deepen relationships and bring intimacy if approached correctly. According to Parker, who wrote the book "The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict", which was published in September, conflict is not inherently bad, but rather a necessary signal for growth and connection. She suggests reframing heated moments as opportunities for discussion and attention, rather than avoiding them altogether.
Written for “Relationships During Conflict” on 2026-09-09,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
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No political leaning scored for article 7278 · logged 2026-09-09
COMIC: If we fight, is our love doomed?
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love → fight → ?
Conflict could help
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Conflict → help → ?
Should we argue with the people we love?
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we → argue → people
For Priya Parker, author of a book published in September, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, the answer is yes.
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answer → publish → Conflict
While many people dread conflict, it's not necessarily a bad thing.
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In fact, it's necessary if we want to be in close, authentic relationships, says Parker.
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when you have a moment of misalignment with someone, try thinking of it as a signal.
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you → have → signal
"We assume if the heat is rising, this must be bad.
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But the reframe is that there's something relevant here.
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I should pay attention," she says.
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Parker, who has been a conflict resolution facilitator for 20 years, shares advice about common questions you may have about getting into fights — whether that's with a partner, a family member or a friend.
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Navied Mahdavian is a New Yorker cartoonist and the author of the graphic memoir This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America.
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Here's what to do about it.
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Experts demystify the science of awkwardness — and explain how to reduce the emotional intensity of mortifying flashbacks (like that one time you called your teacher "Mommy").
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you → demystify → teacher
So you've got a baby in your life.
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you → get → life
How do you talk to them, exactly?
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you → talk → them
In this comic, experts explain why conversing with your baby is important — and share ways to help them develop their language skills.
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them → explain → skills
Emergencies can happen at any time — and knowing how to overcome feelings of panic, stress and indecision can be a matter of life or death.
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knowing → happen → life
This digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib.
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We'd love to hear from you.
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