How do you usually react to challenge or conflict? I am reminded of the basic instincts of fight or flight.
I was talking to my aunt the other day and she regaled us with stories about working in a haunted house to raise money for a 4H troop. She loves Halloween and scaring people, but she said it's interesting to see different people's reactions. She has been punched several times because some people have a strong fight reflex. I can't imagine ever punching someone who scared me while dressed up as a skeleton. I would scream. And laugh. Hysterically if I was really, really scared. I might pee my pants. But I just don't think I would punch them.
My instinct is stronger on the flight side. When facing irresolvable conflict, I prefer to just head on out of there. I've done it many times in my life. Sometimes it's a literal, physical exit. Sometimes it's a blessing to live a few hours away from a situation. Sometimes denial is a handy form of flight. But I don't know that it's necessarily the easy option--sometimes flight is really hard. Oh yeah, conflict is just hard regardless of how you handle it.
How about you? Fight or flight?
I have more fight than flight - which I'm learning to switch around a bit in an effort to "live at peace with all men so much as it is possible" but it is hard sometimes. Conflict doesn't scare me but I at least try to remember when it scares the person I'm dealing with. If I can "read" that or figure that out about them, it's helpful.
ReplyDeleteBtw, where did you nap this "Abortion/Adoption" button? May I "steal" it and put it on RtK as well?
Flight--often to a fault. Sometimes I can successfully fight (!) that instinct and stand up when I need to, but that's definitely not my first response
ReplyDeleteCarrie, got the button from http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteBut yes, please, use it. I absolutely love it!!!
I'm hoping people will respond with their instinct. I'm willing to fight if there seems to be hope for resolution of the conflict, but when I "see the writing on the wall" . . .well, I'm too much of a control freak to hang around!! chuckle
Flight. 110% flight! lol The mere idea of confrontation makes me ill. To the point where I am very often too agreeable because I do not want to cause a problem.
ReplyDeleteAs usual I'm going back through trying to catch up on reading posts. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. I guess for me it depends. I don't like conflict and don't seek it, but at times it looks better than other alternatives. The challenge is in choosing battles wisely, along with how to fight them.
Amber--aw yes, you hit the nail on the head--especially the HOW to fight them! Excellent point, thanks for commenting! (Oh, and love it that you're playing catch up--fun to hear from you!)
ReplyDeleteJenna--hmmm, must be a family trait! :) But I fear I'm not overly agreeable. . .
Karen--yes, I think I can see that--you seem to be a peace-lover. Have you ever read the 'Peacemaker' books by Sande? I think they have some good points on standing up for what is right in a way that makes peace (as Amber alluded to)--I think I need to review that book!