The High Cost of Avoiding Conflict

Conflict is necessary for growth, but we often avoid it.

Sometimes it's because you might feel emotionally insecure when you think about contradicting someone you care about or bringing up a topic that might put them on the defensive.

Yet, you might be overestimating the risk of a response of anger, hurt, or resistance to what you have to say.

Even if some risk is involved, and the other person is not entirely happy with you confronting him or her, avoidance can be a costly choice.

How can you help yourself or your partner get over your fear of conflict?

Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss why avoiding conflict is never a good idea, and why you need it in order to grow.