hroughout this book, you’ve been learning that open communication is
one of the keys to healthy relationships. It allows people to feel respected,
which in turn makes them more trusting when sharing their thoughts and
feelings. Respectful communication is effectivecommunication—it helps you
express your needs and work toward getting them met.
When people don’ttreat each other with respect, communication becomes
much more difficult or breaks down completely. Here’s an example: suppose
you forget to wear your watch one day, so you ask the stranger standing behind
you in line what time it is. The conversation could go like this:
You: “Hey, dork, what time is it?”
Stranger: “None of your business, creep!”
You: “Jerk!”
Stranger: “Loser!”This exchange could become more heated or get violent. Even if the
encounter doesn’t go beyond name-calling, both people are left angry or upset.
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C H A P T E R
Conflict Resolution
Tool Kit
T
CALM
list DOWN
enKEEP THE
PEACE