By: Greg Stephens

The Weight of Unfinished Business

We’ve all been there—stuck in the mental loop of an unresolved relationship, whether it’s a friendship that faded without closure, a workplace dynamic that never quite settled, or a family bond frayed by years of unspoken words. These loose ends don’t just linger; they take up valuable space in our minds, subtly draining our energy and keeping us from fully embracing the present.

Recognizing these unresolved relationships is the first step, but understanding their impact is just as crucial. They can serve as emotional roadblocks, sap our focus, and create a sense of being trapped in an imaginary prison. One approach is to confront the discomfort and work towards finding resolution.

A Personal Journey: Facing My Past

Over two and a half years, I embarked on a mission—one that was equal parts terrifying and liberating. I made a list of thirty-six key individuals from my past with whom I had unfinished business. This was no casual exercise; it was a deep dive into past conflicts, misunderstandings, and emotional knots that needed untangling.

Every conversation was a lesson in vulnerability. Some were met with openness, others with resistance. But with each attempt, I felt a huge weight lifted. The goal wasn’t just resolution; it was about gaining a deeper understanding of myself and the patterns that shaped my relationships.

The Power of Confrontation

Let’s be honest—many women are conditioned to avoid confrontation, being taught to keep the peace, smooth things over, and not rock the boat. But avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear; it just buries it under layers of resentment and unspoken words.

Difficult relationships, when approached with intention and care, can be transformative. They open doors to clarity and understanding, allowing both parties to be seen and heard. And while not every confrontation will end with a perfect resolution, the act of addressing an issue head-on is liberating in and of itself.

Mastering the Art of Communication

The way we communicate can either build bridges or burn them down. The key? Active listening and thoughtful responses. Too often, we listen to respond rather than to understand.

One of the simplest yet most effective communication strategies is taking responsibility for your part of the problem and stating your positive intent at the beginning of a conversation. Owning your side of the street allows others to own theirs. Saying something like, “I’ve been avoiding talking to you about this because I was fearful that things might get worse. That’s not what I want. I’m optimistic that we can work through our differences and our relationship is important to me.” This allows you to demonstrate responsibility and clarifies your positive intent up front, creating the doorway to psychological safety.

Building Emotional Safety

Speaking of safety—emotional security is the foundation of any meaningful conversation. When people feel safe, they’re more likely to express themselves honestly. This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult truths; it means approaching them with empathy and validation.

Sometimes, a simple acknowledgment of someone’s feelings can de-escalate a situation before it spirals. Recognizing emotional cues—both verbal and non-verbal—can make all the difference between a productive conversation and one that ends in further distance.

Personal Transformations

I’ve witnessed how addressing unfinished business can lead to meaningful changes. One woman I worked with decided to confront a challenging workplace relationship that had been holding her back. Instead of avoiding the situation, she chose to approach the person respectfully, which helped clear the air and opened up new professional opportunities for her.

Another woman reconnected with her ex-mother-in-law, and through honest communication, they began rebuilding their relationship. This allowed for a stronger connection between her children and their grandmother. These experiences suggest that facing uncomfortable situations can sometimes lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is tricky. It’s often mistaken for excusing someone’s behavior when, in reality, it’s freeing yourself from the weight of resentment. Forgiveness is never about the other person—it’s about you releasing your emotional hurt and reclaiming your inner peace.

Holding onto grudges keeps us trapped and tethered to our past pain. Letting go doesn’t mean accepting bad behavior—it’s consciously choosing peace over bitterness. If reconciliation isn’t possible, closure can come from knowing you’ve done your best and accepting that you can’t control others. Many people cling to the pain of a failed relationship because they know they didn’t show up as their best, leaving them with lingering regret. By doing your best and letting go of the need to control the outcome, healing can start. Pain is a part of life—how we respond to it is up to us.

Continuous Growth: The Key to Better Relationships

Great relationships—whether personal or professional—require constant evolution. Successful women know that self-improvement isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong practice. Every interaction teaches us something, and reflecting on those lessons helps us grow into better communicators and more emotionally intelligent individuals.

By embracing growth, we cultivate resilience and adaptability—two qualities that not only strengthen relationships but also empower us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Empowering Women: Insights from Coaching

Through my work in coaching, I’ve seen how transformational communication can be. Women who once felt powerless in their personal and professional relationships found their voices through intentional dialogue.

The key is equipping ourselves with the right tools—self-mastery, empathy, vulnerability, and clear communication. When we approach relationships with these elements, we foster not only personal growth but also relationships of collaboration and trust in our workplaces and communities.

Embracing Difficult Conversations

In a world that often encourages women to avoid confrontation, learning to navigate tough conversations is a radical act of self-empowerment. Whether it’s addressing an issue with a colleague, setting boundaries with a friend, or mending a strained family dynamic, the ability to communicate effectively in difficult relationships is a game-changer.

Start by listening with intent. Instead of thinking about what you’ll say next, focus on understanding the other person’s perspective. Acknowledge their feelings—it costs nothing and can completely shift the tone of a conversation.

Breathe deeply and practice patience. Heated discussions may trigger strong emotions, but staying composed allows for a more productive outcome. Take a moment to breathe before responding.

Not every conversation will end in agreement—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to always see eye to eye but to cultivate mutual respect and understanding. True growth happens when you build bridges with those who see the world differently. This is the essence of rising to your highest self—choosing connection over division and embracing the power of growth as women.

Final Thoughts: Turning Conflict into Connection

At the heart of every relationship is communication. When we master the art of restoring impossible relationships, we unlock the potential for deeper connections, personal peace, and professional success.

So, take a deep breath, have the hard talk, and see how confronting challenges may lead to new possibilities.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or entity. The content provided is for informational and motivational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for personal, emotional, or legal matters.

Published by Jeremy S.