Guilty as charged, interpersonal conflicts such as dispute and debate are the norms in my daily life. When people with different personalities come together, it is common that they may share different views on a situation. In extreme cases, it may even lead to interpersonal conflicts. From my point of view, we should avoid unnecessary conflict and resolved it quickly once it happened.
Being the youngest child of the family, I used to be the root of all conflicts at home. Today, my role is reversed as I work as the medium to conflict resolving. My elder sister is married and staying with her husband. She is a mother of one and often return home with her son on the weekends to spend time with my parents. She is a simple woman but her weakness is that she possesses poor self-awareness and knowledge. My elder brother works in a maritime company that requires him to do shift duties. Whenever he is off duty, he prefers to spend time with his fiancé, who is facing family issues in her family. His quick-tempered characteristics have often led him to be the source of most conflicts at home.
On early December last year, my sister picked one Sunday of the month to celebrate my father’s birthday. Unfortunately, my brother had made plans on that day to spend with his fiancé. Feeling frustrated after numerous failed attempt to set a date for the celebration together, my sister blamed him in the WhatsApp chat group for his unwillingness to spend time with our family. Throughout the situation, she was unaware that my brother merely wanted to accompany his fiancé during this drastic period that she was facing. Upset with the reply, he argued that my sister’s only responsibility is taking care of his son. The war of words roared on for a while within the group chat.
When I finally caught attention of the situation, I stood in and pleaded both parties to cool down. I went on to ask my brother if he could make adjustments to his arrangement, which he reluctantly agreed. After that dispute, no message was sent within the group chat until the date of celebration. Fortunately, on the day itself, they put their personal matters aside and went on to celebrate my father’s birthday together as a family.
Before the conflict could turn from bad to worse, I reacted the best I could to resolve the problem. What would you have done if you are me? Please kindly share your idea and let’s discuss it!
Last Updated: 19th April 2016
Commented On:
Rati Shukla, Angela Cheng, Marcus Yeo
WELCOME 
This is an interesting, well described scenario, JS. Thanks for sharing something so personal. As for the assignment though, it seems like you have already solved the conflict—you’ve given away the proverbial goose.
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Hi JS, i enjoyed reading your post as it was well described with the necessary detail required.
As per what Brad has already pointed out, you have already mentioned how you resolved the conflict rather than letting your readers do so. With that being said, I think you could perhaps modify by asking users on ways to resolve the conflict.
Had I been in your situation, I would definitely react similarly. Being the youngest in my family as well, my mother occasionally mentions how the younger member usually brings the family together during difficult situations like what you faced. I do agree with it and now see it in your case as well. I would also initiate a “siblings day out” in an attempt to take a break from whatever as happened and to clear the air. Of course at a time suitable for your brother, since he works in differing shifts.
Thanks for sharing your story! Looking forward to reading more from you!
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