Conflict, conflict, conflict

When I first think about conflict, I have to admit I kind of cringe. Then again, I'm happy to be a helping hand when it doesn't involve me directly. I try to avoid conflict a lot of times in my life, especially when I think about conflict at home or in the workplace. Wouldn't it just be great if we could all live happily ever after and never argue? Well, unfortunately this isn't quite a reality for us just yet. In the meantime I suppose we ought to overcome our differences and resolve these conflicts as clean as we can. I think without conflict our lives would be a bit boring actually. The fact that we all think differently is what makes us unique and ultimately a valuable part of our community. It's great that there are simple ways to resolve conflict that help us to collaborate and come to solutions we wouldn't have otherwise. Being able to express our innermost feelings through conflict actually bonds us closer together in many situations. When I think about conflict in my life, it mostly consists of minute interactions with my roommates over petty communal housing type things. Luckily most of these issues are solved quick and painlessly with a friendly reminder. I believe the way one delivers such criticism is crucial because it steers the way the receiver will accept it. If I choose to say a sly under-my-breath remark about Emma not doing her dishes then she will most likely get defensive and be less accepting of her actions. Instead, if I ask Emma nicely to help me clean up the kitchen, she will do her part in taking care of her mess and we both will go on happily throughout our day. This helps open up communication between us as roommates and allows for further conversation when we are feeling upset. Now when I do something that bothers Emma, which will likely happen, she is more inclined to tell me in a positively framed way. A way that offers solutions to these issues and promotes collaboration, rather than posing it in a negative way. Talking it out and defining what need it is that isn't being met is a powerful thing. With clear communication everyones needs can be properly assessed and then adjustments can be made to best meet everyones needs. When this type of space is reached I no longer cringe at the thought of conflict, instead I see it as another opportunity for growth. I think that I can always use a little constructive criticism in my life, after all I am an amiable who just wants to make everyone else happy! Approaching conflict in this manner can definitely benefit everyone involved, whether that be a workplace, home, or friend group.