Interpersonal Conflict

In every relationship, there is bound to be conflict. What you do with that conflict and how you react towards it determines whether the relationship is strenghtened or weakened. Conflict can be one of the best things for a relationship if it is handled well. Although conflict may be good, some people shy away from it for certain reasons. I know from personal experience I feel if I bring up the problem it will only end in a blow out, instead of a healthy converstation. Then, if I don't bring it up, then I will be able to get over the problem without invoving any other people. Often with conflict, I avoid the situation or I tend to blame the other people. All this does is build tension. I know in the dorms, we often try and vent to other people. This only leads to competition between roommates and friends. When trying to solve a conflict, we can't just shut down or dominate the conversation. Both parties need to feel like they have won in the situation in order to accomplish something. Again in my dorm, there is a lot on conflict and it gets frusterating because we never get anything done. We may solve a conflict that day, but then it is brought up either later that week or next week. In the article it says that we need to relfect a certain situation, and then changed the behavior that we can. In preventing conflict, it is all about compromise and understanding. If we use empathic listening and really care about the other person, then it will be easier to compromise with the other person. That way, the conflict will be either resolved or not even begin.