For many of us, conflict is something that we dislike and try to avoid. Our parents might have told us, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." We may have interpreted this to mean that we ought to say nothing when we're upset, frustrated, or not in agreement with someone else.

Others of us enjoy conflict and find that it is healthy and desireable. We might promote conflicts to stimulate thinking, feelings, or our nervous systems.

In meaningful relationships, conflict is inevitable, so we have reason to learn to manage it better. This website looks at conflict through a communication lens. How can we talk and listen with others so that we meet our needs, realize our goals, and promote goodwill between parties?

There are several ways to look at conflict. The categories along the left side of this page focus upon some of the relationship contexts in which we encounter conflict.