Tag Archives: conflict

Swearing and Yelling:
“STOP SWEARING and YELLING AT ME for #%&%’s SAKE!”

Posted on Friday, May 4, 2012 by Alison

So what I really meant was… “I’d like to help but I can’t do so if you swear at me or continue to raise your voice.” In difficult situations staying calm will create an atmosphere that is least likely to … Continue reading →

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To fight or not to fight:
“After a fight, we barely talk to each other for days.”

Posted on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by Alison

A musical canon consists of “two or more parts that have the same melody but start at different points.” Like the variety we find in music, we also find great variety in types of relationships that work and don’t work. … Continue reading →

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“That’s just the way I am!” Arguments: The Red Herring

Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 by Alison

A “Red Herring” is a verbal ploy to distract a person’s attention away from a real issue. It’s a tactic used to hide a weakness from the listener by changing the subject. The phrase “Red Herring” comes from using the … Continue reading →

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“You think I’m too indulgent with the kids? Well, I don’t want to be a dictator like you!”

Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 by Alison

Parents often disagree on how to raise their children, which can easily turn into a running battle of wills. In most cases, one parent is more permissive, warm, and accommodating, while the other is more authoritarian, strict, and rule-oriented. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Parenting | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sarcasm: “You can carry it yourself. Your arms aren’t broken.”

Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by Alison

Sarcastic people often hide behind the excuse of “I was just being funny.” Humor makes people laugh, but sarcasm does not. The word comes from the Greek “sarkasmos” meaning “to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, and speak bitterly.” Sarcasm signifies … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Communication | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Contempt:
“Don’t look at me that way!”

Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011 by Alison

Studies have shown that people who make sour facial expressions when their spouses talk are likely to be separated within four years. Contempt expresses enormous disdain and implies that the other person is considered undeserving of respect. Contempt breaks the … Continue reading →

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