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Old 11-07-2009, 10:53 PM   #2 (permalink)
rei
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yes i have dealt with avoiding conflict. i don't like how it feels in my energy to get in verbal or physical arguments. but i also don't simply do nothing if i feel mistreated.

i think the key is to make small steps. sometimes things can be worked out without direct conflict, sometimes not. also, how to best deal with avoidance of conflict depends on the reasons for avoiding it.

if we avoid it because we always want people happy with us, we can realize that's unrealistic - we can't make everyone happy. someone will always dislike how we choose to handle things and will likely even dislike us as a person. sucks, i know, but it's better to realize this than pretend it isn't true i think.

if your reasons are similar to this, related to wanting everyone to like you, you might try getting in the habit of speaking up when you feel your feathers get ruffled. you can even say "you may not like it, but i'm doing it anyway. whether you like it or don't like it is your business, and is not my responsibility.' we can say this calmly so we don't sound like a rebellious teen.

i think there's a potential for resentment to build up if we never speak our minds, but we can do it in a considerate way, at least start out considerate anyway. assertiveness training helps too. i think the two issues (conflict avoidance and assertiveness) are often related.
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