Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
We all know that relationships can be tricky, and one of the biggest challenges is how to respond in a healthy way when our partner has an opinion that differs from ours. It’s easy to become defensive or start arguing, but there are healthier ways to handle these situations.
When facing an unexpected pregnancy in a relationship, communication becomes not just a tool but a bridge between conflicting perspectives. Communication offers a means to navigate through the waves of emotions and thoughts, and a pathway to understanding and support.
Sometimes, disagreements can start because of differences in personal values, envisioned life paths, and coping abilities.
Each person in a relationship will benefit from reflecting on where their perspective stems from. Consider asking yourself, how tightly am I holding on to the life I’ve imagined for myself? Am I making a decision because of what I’ve wanted in the past, or am I open to exploring my options now? What do I value most? Why?
Once you and your partner have both thought about these questions privately, make a note of your answers and find a time to talk again. When the other person shares, simply listen. Recognizing these differences is the first step towards healthy communication.
When disagreements get out of hand, it is often because of the imbalance between being both emotional and rational. Both emotions and logic deserve to be involved in disagreements, but they serve different purposes.
When we incorporate emotions in disagreements, it allows us to understand and empathize with our partner's feelings. Meanwhile, using logic or rationality helps us engage with their thoughts and reasoning.
Each partner's ability to cope with the situation – whether they feel overwhelmed, stable, or somewhere in between – plays a key role in how well they’re able to find this balance and what’s needed from the other partner.
Someone feeling overwhelmed or confused may have a greater need for a supportive and understanding approach. Yet someone who might take a more explorer-like or stable stance may benefit from open and honest communication that respects their need for information and support in decision-making.
Both are deeply personal and valid responses to a big life event, and makes navigating a conversation with care very important.
Effective communication during a disagreement involves several key strategies:
Oftentimes, it’s important for each partner to have their own support network as well as one that they can both come to for neutral guidance.
Friends, family, or professionals can often be useful support people, but may be inaccessible for others. The personal advocates at Avail NYC are available for everyone, free of cost.
Each partner can come separately to process or you both may choose to talk with an advocate together. Whether you want to process an unexpected pregnancy or work toward a healthy relationship, there is a space for you.
Remember, the goal of communication in the face of disagreement is not to win an argument but to find a path forward that honors both partners' feelings, needs, and values. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen and adapt. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, partners can navigate even the most challenging disagreements with dignity and respect.
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
ABOUT AVAIL
Avail NYC provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Personal Advocates offer a safe, confidential space online or in-person to process emotions and explore options. Equipping clients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. Avail NYC is not a medical provider. To learn more or meet with a personal advocate, visit Avail NYC.
Our office is conveniently located at 115 W 45th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036. To see directions and hours, please read more about our location.
For your online appointment, please check your email for the link to join the appointment via Zoom. This link was sent when you scheduled the appointment and is included in your appointment reminders. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll resend the information quickly.
You can always cancel or reschedule your appointment if you need to. Simply select “Manage Appointments” via our online booking system or contact us directly to move your appointment to a time that better fits your schedule.
If you miss your appointment, there’s no need to worry. We understand that things can come up unexpectedly. Simply reschedule at your earliest convenience through our online system or by reaching out to us.
Absolutely, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support during your appointment. We aim to make you as comfortable as possible, and having your partner or a supportive friend or family member by your side can be part of that. Just add a note when you make the appointment and we will have a male or female advocate there to support them.
Our personal advocates are highly trained, trauma-informed professionals who have been trained on counseling techniques, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse needs, and how to help others make a decision.
We're here to make sure you feel fully supported. We do encourage you to work with one advocate, but if you feel you need to make a change at any time, learn more about our team of qualified personal advocates or just reach out to us.
A safe place for confident decisions.
115 W. 45th St., 4th Floor
NY, NY 10036
Text us: 234-201-0532 or Call us: 212-689-1705
© Avail 2024