Divorce | The Reality And Dangers Of Conflict


by Lori A. Grover - Date: 2010-09-19 - Word Count: 377 Share This!

Opposing philosophies, differing viewpoints and the need to protect our basic human needs will always keep us vulnerable to disagreements. But what toll is conflict taking on our society, our capacity to manage it and our relationships?

The current climate in this country is a perfect indicator that we are blurring the line between freedom of expression and denigration. And it seems that it is no longer enough for us to convey our point of view without additionally causing harming verbally or otherwise.

Healthy debates and agreeing to disagree are being replaced by the need to press our own agenda's at virtually any cost, and the stress cracks in this type of behavior are beginning to show. There seems to be a growing intolerance for opinions that contradict our own, which causes me to pause and wonder if this is a shift in human behavior that will redefine the dynamics of relationships of our future generations.

Conflict is far easier to recognize than it is to breakdown and if left unresolved, eventually results in an emotional disconnect in relationships. On a larger scale, it can manifest in a 'disconnect' from the rest of society as well.

Defined as 'a clash or disagreement between two or more people', conflict is an unavoidable reality of our everyday lives, and our continuous exposure to it is evidenced by turning on any daily news program.

Understanding what drives conflict and learning how to manage it is an essential life skill needed by everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion or social standing and determines our quality of life. It is unfortunate that we have adopted a mindset that views conflict negatively rather than as an opportunity to gain a greater perspective of a particular issue. Whether we realize it or not, this mindset prevents us from enriching our own lives through listening to and learning from others.

As a family and divorce mediator, I see the toll that conflict takes on individuals and their family's every day. I also watch them struggle with the false perception that by understanding another point of view they are somehow weak or vulnerable. By continuing to respond to our differences only with opposition and defiance, we face the reality that our behavior will only perpetuate more conflict and increase our divide.

Related Tags: divorce, divorce attorney, divorce advice, divorce mediation, divorce help, mediation

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