A couple on TikTok is putting a creative spin on conflict resolution.
In a viral video, TikTok user Annie @annielace73 shared a unique method for diffusing heated arguments in relationships: wearing party hats. "It makes it really hard to stay mad," she captioned the video, which has garnered over 734,000 likes.
The clip has sparked discussion and amusement among viewers at the unconventional approach to conflict resolution.
Some found the idea amusing but said their temper would definitely win out over a party hat. Others praised the concept for its creativity and potential to foster healthier communication in relationships, pointing to their own examples.
@annielace73 like genuinely how can you keep arguing in a party hat
♬ original sound - annielace73
"My temper couldn't handle someone telling me to put on a party hat mid-fight," @heavenlybooka wrote.
One user, @laphirah, shared what they do with their partner while fighting: a "battle buddy" system where the two pass a stuffed animal back and forth while talking to prevent yelling.
Another commenter, @marydeanndra, said they have a friend who puts on clown noses with her husband when things began to get heated. "It was my favorite thing to witness," they wrote.
Rachel Goldberg, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told Newsweek that cooling off before conflicts escalate is an important way to maintain the health of a relationship. However, she cautioned that certain topics may be too serious to diffuse with interventions like party hats.
"For instance, if there is a betrayal, wearing a party hat may not be appropriate. In that case, taking some physical distance may be a more practical alternative to creating the space needed to be able to have a constructive conversation," she said.
"It's important to acknowledge that there may be instances where trying to bring humor into a disagreement isn't helpful," Goldberg added. "In such cases, it could come across as insensitive and may not be received well or backfire."
Goldberg discussed alternative techniques, such as the "reverse roles" approach, where partners argue from each other's perspectives to foster empathy and understanding and even reach new solutions by seeing the situation freshly.
Ultimately, though, the type of solution or mitigation strategy used should depend on the couple.
"The most effective approach is one that resonates with both partners and is sustainable," Goldberg said. "Putting on party hats is a clever way to diffuse a conflict, as long as both partners agree and cooperate."
Using humor, the reverse roles approach or even taking the traditional "time-out" are all valid ways to manage tensions in conflict, and Annie's bespoke method works for her and her partner.
"I'm still really pissed off," she said in the video before breaking into a smile.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
