Conflict Avoidant: To Be Whimpy

The desire to avoid conflict in a relationship is common, but for very different reasons. First, involvement with a partner who is unable to perspective-take makes it nearly impossible to work out difficulties constructively. Simple disagreements often escalate into epic battles. Understandably, a person may wish to avoid these nightmare fights by side-stepping the power struggles. Second, a partner who is egocentric may wish to dodge a person’s disapproval; he or she hides selfish acts and avoids conversations focused on issues in the relationship. When exposed, he or she may claim, "I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to stress you out.” The partner is conflict-avoidant because he or she wishes to escape disapproval or opposition. This type of evasion may be destructive. Tune in and learn all about conflict avoidance!