Being in a conflict with another person often immerses us in complex dynamics. There are many layers including our individual and collective histories, our needs, our hopes, our expectations, our emotions and so on. Stepping back is both a physical … Continue reading
Making up after a conflict can be as phony or beautiful as facial make up depending on the person and situation. Sometimes it covers what’s underneath; sometimes it makes unattractive pretty; and other times it makes pretty unattractive. How might … Continue reading
Sometimes we walk away from a conflict with our heads bowed with shame, embarrassment and guilt. Other times, we hold our heads high with dignity, strength and self-respect. While others are a mixture of responses that reflect the complexities we … Continue reading
As we develop our conflict styles over the years, we also tend to create narratives about our interactions. The scripts we write for ourselves typically suit us by, for instance, playing down our role if it’s not so great. This … Continue reading
We often talk about walking in the other person’s shoes as a way of understanding where they are coming from and gaining empathy along the way. It’s one of those pat phrases that seems to make sense. Think about it … Continue reading