Analyze an interpersonal conflict which you attempted to manage but were unsuccessful in doing so (mismanaged or unresolved). This doesn’t have to a major conflict, but it does need to be a point of contention that you and your partner are aware of and not just a complaint or problem you have that your partner isn’t even unaware of. This is to be an issue you have with another person.

1. Describe the conflict: Who was it with? What was it about? When did it happen? What was the outcome? How did you attempt to manage or resolve it? What conflict styles were enacted?

2. Describe your perspective: What did you see as the problem? What did you see as the cause? How did you behave? How did you feel? How do you think the other person behaved?

3. Use social decentering and describe the conflict from the other person’s perspective: What would the other person say was the problem? What would the other person say was the cause? How would the other person say he or she felt? How would the other person describe your behavior? (Be brutally honest with yourself when considering what the other person would think or feel).

4. What insights does this comparison provide about you, your partner, the issue, and the conflict?

5. Assume you had a do-over, and were approaching this issue anew. Applying the principles covered in class, write out an actual script of the exact words (like a transcript) of what you would say in initially presenting the issue to the other and how your partner might potentially respond.

6. Identify and explain the skills and strategies (p. 238-248)(see pdf attachment) you incorporated into your statement.