The story of conflict is told throughout history. It happens all the time. And it follows a fairly typical path.
In the beginning, often before the people in the conflict have even met, there are expectations of what they want in a relationship (whether it be intimate, familial, workplace or between countries). We have expectations of what we want in this relationship and what constitutes a ‘good’ relationship.
Often the relationship starts well but at some point there will be a trigger, an event that means we now have ‘concerns’, ‘issues’ or a ‘problem’ with the other person.
There are always TWO sides to the disagreement and, mostly, both people involved think that they are right. They argue their points and the other person’s refusal to change and do what is expected (‘the right thing’) just proves that there is something wrong with the OTHER person! Friends, family, colleagues, other nations may be dragged into the disagreement, and the relationship seems doomed to failure.
If, however, the people involved can talk to each other, hear what the other person is saying and understand why they are saying it, they gain a deeper knowledge about each other leading to mutual respect and appreciation. Ultimately, they create a deeper and stronger relationship. Ready for the inevitable disagreements in the future.
This may be what the stories say is living ‘happily ever after’.
