From Dr. Jane's Notebook


Conflict: What Did You Say?


Interpersonal conflicts are the worst! They are destructive to relationships and they exact a steep emotional toll on those persons involved. But all to often, amongst the best of friends or family members, conflicts do arise over things said or done. When conflicts occur, how do people and relationships survive? Here are a few hints.

In her latest book, Maya Angelou shares her views on the subject when she says "Living life as art requires a readiness to forgive. I do not mean that you should suffer fools gladly, but rather remember your own shortcomings, and when you encounter another with flaws, don't be eager to righteously seal yourself away from the offender forever. Take a few breaths and imagine yourself having just committed the action which has set you at odds" (1993).

©Copyright, 1993, 1995, Jane R. Rosen-Grandon. All rights reserved.

Return to Love and Marriage

Return to Family Relationships

Return to Stress Management

Return to Table of Contents


Last Updated October 17, 1998 by Gary M. Grandon, Ph.D.