Thomas Crum, an author and orator once said “The quality of our lives depend not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.”
Did you know that the atoms that make up every object are always in motion? The range of this motion may vary depending on whether the item is a solid, liquid or gas, but the movement of particles always takes place.
So, even when you observe a clear glass of water that appears to be utterly still, the particles that make up the water are in motion. Not only do the particles move, but they also collide and interact with other particles, such as those that make up the glass or the air.
In a similar manner, even the most peaceful and natural state of a family or a community may involve some level of conflict. Because of the simple fact that all humans are unique beings with different thoughts, feelings and experiences, it is quite impossible to navigate through the world without encountering several people whose opinions or methods we may not agree with.
As young people, encountering a situation of conflict can result in a feeling of intimidation or even fear, but conflict is an extremely normal part of everyone’s lives and learning how to resolve conflicts efficiently can help us to be more productive and happier.
When facing a situation of conflict, the most important thing to do is to rethink everything at least two times before you say or do it. Actions taken in anger or frustration may provide an immediate sense of satisfaction, but they will often lead to a long and tiring period of guilt and sadness. It is an unfortunate but true fact that the majority of conflicts that we encounter stem from disagreements with family members and friends. This fact reminds us that the pain caused by hastily dispensed words will be experienced not by strangers or enemies, but by our very own loved ones. Thus, it is quite important for us to be careful with the way we act during a conflict.
It is also important to be willing to listen and compromise, regardless of whether you may feel that you are right or wrong in a situation. For example, imagine that you are driving down an extremely narrow street, and you encounter a car attempting to drive in the direction that you are coming from. In that moment, both of you are at a standstill, with no chance for either of you to progress. Now imagine that you both stay in that exact same spot for hours, arguing over who should reverse and allow the other to pass. Doesn’t this situation sound completely silly?
Yet, this is how many of us behave when disagreeing on a matter. Refusing to consider the thoughts of the individual opposite to you or at least trying to come up with a solution where both of you benefit, is the same as standing in a single spot for hours. Always place the value of your time and energy higher than the feeling of winning an argument. You may find that you are able to get more things done in a day.
There are many skills that can help to bring beauty to our life. As we grow up, we may begin to find that being able to work well with others may be our most valuable skill. Understanding the world and learning to thrive begins at the simple act of getting along with the people around you.
