QUESTION:
How can I effectively overcome family issues without creating more conflict?
ANSWER:
Taking into consideration that every situation is different, when differing views conflict, we can react in two ways. First, we can agree to disagree (this can (for the time being) avoid a potential argument). Or two, it can erupt into real life conflict. Which, in turn, can lead to anger and resentment. For the sake of harmony within the family, peace comes through recognizing differences and rising above them. Regardless of the differences of opinion, family should always be a safe place. Even when family members don’t agree.
What you don’t do is throw gas at an already burning fire (in this case, the fire is conflict). That puts you in the same category as the person(s) who set the blaze (conflict) in the first place. Whatever you do, don’t engage in any type of behavior that will push family members further apart. If anything, be the voice of reason. Peace is only possible when we decide that family unity is more important than anyone’s (differing) point of view. Everyone needs family (even when you sometimes don’t agree).
