1. What are the principles of conflict? • The principles of conflict are as follows: 1. Principle 1: Conflict is a usual, unavoidable part of personal relationships. When people grow close to one another, occasional disagreements are inevitable. 2. Principle 2: Conflict may be expressed overtly or covertly. Overt conflict is out in the open and unambiguous. Whereas covert conflict is the opposite, concealed and vague. 3. Principle 3: Social Groups Shape the Meaning of Conflict Behaviors Our cultural membership and socialization in particular social communities affect how we view and respond to conflict. In certain cultures debating is done for fun, whereas other cultures frown upon it. 4. Principle 4: Conflict Can Be Managed Well or Poorly People respond to conflict in a variety of ways, from physical attack to verbal aggression to collaborative problem solving. Contingent on how differences are managed, conflict can either encourage ongoing intimacy or tear a relationship apart. 5. Principle 5: Conflict Can Be Good for Individuals and Relationships. Conflict is often viewed in a negative light, it can actually be beneficial. One of the benefits: conflict can often provide opportunities for growth. This is because it develops insight into our feelings when we exchange them with others. 2. What are the orientations to conflict? Which do you tend to use most often (if you do not know, take the quick quiz on page 250 of the text)? • The orientation to conflict that I use most often is win-win. I try to make sure that everyone involved is mutually satisfied. The other conflicts are: 1. Lose-Lose: assumes that conflict results in a loss for all parties and that it is destructive for relationships. 2. Win-Lose: assume that one side will be victorious over the opposing side. Meaning there can only be one victor or winner in the situation. 3. Win–win: assumes that there are mutual ways to resolve differences so that everyone advances.

3. Think about the ways you typically respond to conflict. Do you tend to rely on one or two of the four responses in the text? Explain. Are your response tendencies consistent with research findings in the text about women and men in general? Why or why not? • I actually react using two of the responses found in the text. I use both the neglect response and the exit response. After reading the text 1. The Neglect Response: This response denies or minimizes problems, disagreements, anger, tension, or other issues that could lead to possible conflict. 2. The Exit Response: This response involves physically removing oneself or psychologically withdrawing from the situation.

4. Which conflict-management skill do you consider yourself good at using and which do you need to develop more? How do you plan to develop these skills? • I feel as though I am good at checking perception. I try to view all parties’ point of view in the event of conflict. • However, I could stand to improve my communicating supportively skills. By doing so I can create a win-win orientation.