As tensions collectively rise on the show, our characters seem to be unravelling and lashing out at each other. 😖 There were many heated words recently and even close loving relationships haven't been spared.

With that in mind, we want to delve into conflict resolution. No doubt, this could also come in handy as South Africa is in the midst of a 21-day lockdown with everyone spending more time with the people they are living with; be it spouses, partners, close and extended family members, roommates or friends. It will be natural to have a good few squabbles.

Try to actively listen and ask for clarity

Everyone is prone to spit out hurtful utterances during a fight. It could come from a place of honesty or spite. According to the Psychology Today website: "Repeat back to your partner what you think you’ve heard him or her say, and ask clarifying questions." This is important, reads the website, even when the person you are arguing with is being irrational. You both don't have to agree with what is being said, but "people often assume they know what someone has said, but they have actually misunderstood in a vital way".

Set boundaries

In any conflict, there needs to be a set of agreed-upon limits that both people respect. "This safety is key to healthy fighting," reads the Psychology Today website. Both parties should be ready to take a step back, breath, and revisit the topic another time. But it should be done without one person feeling dismissed because that could only worsen the situation.

Do some soul searching

The time apart from setting boundaries could even provide people with a chance to introspect to form a clearer point of view. Don't use it as a chance to fester in misery. If you dissect the argument to find out if there was an actual underlying issue, that could help navigate a route to a possible solution.

Patience is key

The core reasons for most fights is not solved overnight. "We all have baggage that stays with us. Remember that conflicts lessen in intensity over time, leading to greater mutual understanding."

The story of family, love, and heartbreak continues next Thursday at 20:00 on #MNet101. Follow the conversation with #StillBreathingSA on Twitter (@MNet), Instagram (@mnettv), and Facebook (@MNet).