However, just because you and a relative may butt heads doesn't mean you can't get along with each other or that you should avoid family functions. In fact, if you handle it properly, you can come out of an argument as a result of butting heads with a stronger relationship and better understanding of each other.

The following are some things to do when you and a relative butt heads.

Respect your relatives' rights to his or her opinion.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Even if it doesn't align with what you believe, your relative still has the right to believe what he or she wants. Butting heads often comes from a difference of opinion. Remember that even if you don't agree with your relative, he or she is still entitled to his or her own opinion and that your relative feels just as strongly about his opinion as you do about yours.

Avoid personal attacks.
Even when you butt heads with a relative, you should always avoid personal attacks. These only serve to make the situation worse.

Apologize if you need to.
If you were in the wrong, or if you said hurtful things to your relative in the heat of the moment, it's important that you apologize. Avoid trying to rationalize your behavior by saying things like, "Well, you were rude too," or "You were in the wrong too."

At the same time, don't apologize just to move past the argument. If you honestly don't believe you've done anything wrong, explain that to your relative calmly.

Take time to cool off and think, but not too much time.
It's easy after butting heads with someone to storm off and brood about things before actually apologizing or clarifying your stance. For many reasons, it's a good idea to allow some cooling off time after getting into a disagreement with someone. It allows emotions and tempers to settle and people to see things more clearly.

However, it's not a good idea to take too much time cooling down. This is for a number of reasons. If you drag out the argument, you both get a chance to become more resentful and angrier over the issue, often blowing it out of proportion. In addition, the other person could think you are still angry if you don't give an apology where one is due. Ideally, you will resolve the issue on the same day, but it's also important to respect people's space.

Keep things in perspective
After butting heads with a relative, it's easy to feel wronged. However, unless they have done something completely unacceptable, remember that you are still family and that your relative still has good qualities. Even after a fight, remember that you still care about and love your relative-butting heads every now and again is not going to change that.

Often times, butting heads with a relative is the result of strong personalities and opinions that clash. The above tips will help you to still respect your relative's opinions and beliefs without butting heads.