No matter how much we wish it weren't so, conflict is a part of life. Yes, there may be times you have no choice but to back away from it for the time being. So:

1. Accept conflict as a natural part of life.
2. Always running from conflict will almost always make matters worse
3. Determining to get better at handling conflict is an excellent decision
4. You don't have to enjoy learning to be more humble to reap its many benefits!

Did you know that it is possible to put on kindness? Just like you put on a jacket when it's cold outside, you can consciously go the extra mile to be kinder to others (and yourself) in what can be a cold and lonely world.

Would you like to be more of a problem solver and less of a problem creator? Here are three ways to get started:

• Become a better, more attentive listener to avoid misunderstanding
• Help a friend solve a problem. Intentionally caring about others helps you to care more about yourself!
• Be observant. Everyone around you, no matter how old they are, can teach you something by their lives or their advice!

Some say sarcasm is simply their way of expressing themselves. But remember this: It's rare to walk away from hurt and/or abandonment completely. Yet, becoming a hard-hearted, bitter person is not the answer. Why? Because it is virtually impossible to find an overly sarcastic, insulting person who is satisfied and happy with life.

Saying the right thing at the wrong time or in the wrong way is not the right thing. When you have something important to say, choose to deliver those words wisely. And, remember, it's always easier to say it right the first time rather than try to repair the damage of saying it poorly.

Consider your words. Are they heavy and discouraging, tainted with sarcasm or negativity? Are they light and uplifting, filled with hope and positivity? Your words have power. Use them wisely

When anger or animosity starts to get the better of you, put words around your experience: I feel ____________ about ___________, and then determine that you will not react until you are in a more settled emotional state. Remember, being intentional is almost always better than being reactive.

Here's a new approach to reacting to people. Instead of reasoning, "Every third person I come in contact with irritates me," try this: "At least every third person I come in contact with can teach me how to or how NOT to act or react. Adopt a learning, growing, more thoughtful about life game plan. It's a commitment that will ultimately put you miles ahead of where you would have been.

When it comes to spoken words, sometimes timing and tone mean the difference between someone hearing and receiving what you have to say and responding defensively.

A critical spirit hurts you and the person that you're criticizing. Practice refusing to be neither critical of others nor easily swayed by those criticizing you.

Conflict is a part of relationships with other people. How do you handle conflict? Do you:
Run from it.
Get angry and stay that way.
Do your best to listen and to speak as objectively as possible
Even if it takes weeks, months, or even years, be courageous to live out option C.