1. Jill’s decision to confront Rachel about what was wrong was the thunderbolt that broke the deadlock with her friend Rachel and restored the friendship. Jill’s problem-solving attitude helped the situation by creating an environment where the two friends would resolve their differences. Rachel’s willingness to open up about her feelings about Jill was also helpful. Jill expressed her dissatisfaction with Rachel’s comment about her diet and her continued sarcasm on the issue. Jill also opened up about her feeling of being unwanted by Rachel and Tina. While Rachel has an avoiding style, Jill is a problem-solver. All the friends exhibited compromise by accepting to talk to another and resolve the situation. The conflict in this case was caused by a misunderstanding and realignment of values. Rachel is giving up attitude and Jill’s competing style aggravated the conflict. However, the conflict was resolved by the two friend’s realization of common values and shared experiences.
2. When I was a freshman in college, I had a best friend whose name was Karen. Karen and I spent most of my time doing silly stuff and serious stuff. Even though Karen was my best friend, we had different personalities. While I was a bookworm and a lover of solitude, Karen was an outgoing who easily made friends. In the second semester of college, Karen became my roommate. Because I am a nerd, I spend most of time reading and only going out when we went shopping which I like to do for fun. I think this is what we shared in common with Karen. Our neighbor was a wannabe model from California called Josephine. Josephine and Karen became friends with Lucy. This made me feel sidelined during the semester moved. I later realized that I was not fun enough for Karen anymore, and Lucy was almost a natural partner to her. Frustrated by having to please anyone, I ignored them and refused to go with them to any parties. I hated them because I felt they disliked me because I looked different (I am Asian and they are Caucasian). However, one day I was sick, and Karen to be with me all night. She said she loved me, and I figured she was genuine. I poured my worries out, and Karen told she did not want me to waste time hanging out with them because they do not care so much for school. We then made up, and we are still friends.
Folger, J., Poole, M., & Stutman, R. (2009). Working Through Conflict: Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations (7th Edition). New York: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.
