Do You Avoid Confrontation?

@shizuoka (352)
United States
May 8, 2008 12:46pm CST
I always avoid confrontation like the plague. I don't like arguments or even debates. As a child, if I got upset about something I would leave the room. When rooming with my brother after college, if we got angry we would each go to our separate rooms and return about 30 minutes later and apologize. It worked for us. When I got married, however, I married someone just like me. He completely shuts down when he's angry and won't discuss it. Because of this, I have had to change. I am now the one who brings things up and confronts problems. But only with him. I still avoid confrontations with Everyone else. How about you? Are you quick to confront people when you get irritated about something? Do you like to debate political issues and religion? Or are you the type to smooth things over and stay away from potentially volatile subjects?
7 people like this
25 responses
@danoluma (817)
• Kenya
8 May 08
For me I would argue out until we agree to disagree but only on one condition that the debate or the argument doesn't become violent. I debate even on religion I have a Muslim friend who we argue and argue until we postpone the arguments, he insists Islam is better than Christianity and normally tries to justify I also present my argument about Christianity until we rest our cases, and that has never affected our relationship. I believe you can keep up a debate only if its not violent
2 people like this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
I like that. When the debate is mutually agreeable and the person you are having it with does not take offense, it can be fun. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find such a person, especially in discussing religion. It sounds like you have a very nice friend.
@kamran12 (5526)
• Pakistan
8 May 08
I like to avoid any type of confrontation on personal level, shizuoka, but I do indulge myself in arguments and political and religious debates, if that makes sense? What I am trying to say is that I have opinions and I like to share it and would apply every and any analytical power to get to the root of an issue or to find a common ground with other person or just to understand others perspective and my perspective known. I take it as learning experience and I don't take it personally most of the time. It's just a mental and analytical development process for me to be in debates. On the other hand, I don't like it when things get out of learning arena to personal level and people start feeling personal grudges for opinions. Like you and your brother, I used to walk away from the scene whenever this happened and I still do it. I don't try to escape from the realities. I just try to calm myself down so that I could think more logically and in my right mind rather than in anger and frustration!:-)
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
My mother is very adamant in her political and religious opinions and I can't talk to her about them because she makes it personal and gets very riled up. I think that's probably why I feel the way I do. I do have opinions that I will express with someone that might disagree, but who won't actually fight about it. My brother, for example. I think open-mindedness is very important in such discussions and have a difficult time expressing my somewhat off-beat opinions to someone who will get upset and argumentative about it.
1 person likes this
@kamran12 (5526)
• Pakistan
8 May 08
I don't like argument and debate with adamant people, my friend. If someone is only interested in forcing his/her point without any regard to opposing views even when they are with evidence, I call it off. I have limited my debating here with some people who are just stubborn and consider that only they could be right. It's always enriching and refreshing, however, to have a debate with someone who comes with evidence and who doesn't discredit others' when they are authentic.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
Yes, perhaps. I think I would usually prefer to just listen though. You remember when I told you I read through your discussions and enjoyed the banter but didn't post anything?
1 person likes this
9 May 08
I usually tend to avoid confrontation as it inevitably leads to trouble. However, I seem to have a reputation for being a peace keeper/diplomat and often find myself being the one in the middle trying to settled situations down.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
16 May 08
Being the one in the middle can be very tricky too, don't you think?
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
9 May 08
Yes I tend to avoid confrontation whenever possible. Of course it is not always possible. I do enjoy debates and I will participate in an argument that is respectful. Often we learn different things and perspectives from such debates or arguments, but I will completely remove myself from an abusive argument or confrontation because there will be nothing to learn or gain from it.
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
16 May 08
It sounds like you have developed a good balance.
@ruthinian (2309)
• United States
9 May 08
I guess I changed a lot over the years. Before I would confront people to resolve problems even if it has to be my own parents. I would argue and debate to get my ideas across. I wouldn't shut up until I say what I had to say. My mom told me that I would make a good lawyer with my attitude. Now that I am married, my hubby hates it when I don't say anything at all. He wants to know what's on my mind. I keep quiet because I believe... less talk less mistakes. If I have to argue, knowing that my hubby won't give up because he always believes that he is right, there will be no end to the discussion or argument so I rather not talk. And one thing, I keep quiet because I don't want to say things that I might regret. Once the words are out, you cannot take it back and once the person is hurt by my words, I know it will have a lasting impact on him/her.
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
16 May 08
It sounds like you have done the exact opposite in your relationship. I had to learn to bring things up and confront problems and you keep quiet. If my husband were ever to start actively arguing with me about my confrontation, however, you would probably see me clam up quick!
9 May 08
I am a pacifist,a total pacifist and I really cant stand upset.I avoid any kind of confrontation,and would always steer away from any controversial chat.The thought of talking politics ,religion is a no no to me.I have my opinions on these subjects of course,but I prefer to keep them to myself.My hubby is not a confrontational person either,he likes a quiet life too.But my son,well he will always voice his opinion,and he wouldnt let anything lie,he would stand his ground and keep going,this sometimes can be a bit disconcerting,especially if its among people who we know.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
16 May 08
Isn't it funny how our children can turn out to be completely different from us.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
9 May 08
it really depends on the situation... i tend to avoid confrontations... but if i am being treated unfairly or unjustly, then i will definitely confront it... i won't keep quiet about it... but if i am wrong, then of course i will keep quiet... again, it depends...
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
9 May 08
That's good that you are willing to stand up for yourself or things that are important to you.
@mbs730 (2147)
• Canada
9 May 08
It really depends on the situation. But unfortunately most of the time I do avoid confrontation. Especially when it comes to family. I admit I am not always honest if I am upset with my husband but I am getting better with telling him. I just hate getting into fights, and I am more known to give the silent treatment than to confront. And as far as political debates and issues regarding religion.. I will state my view but I always respect the beliefs of others. So I never really get into any heavy debates as far as that goes. HOWEVER if someone insults me for something that is very sensitive to me, then I will definitely attack. That is one of the few instances where I will not avoid confrontation.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
9 May 08
Yes, I think that all of us probably have our little buttons that shouldn't be pushed and everyone has a limit to how much they can take. I can definitely relate.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
9 May 08
I love debating issues as long as it is polite. When someone gets rude and degrading, I get a bit riled but then I see the ignorance for what it is and back off. I don't like confrontation. When someonee sarts name-calling and insulting someone's intelligence, it speaks far more loudly about them than it does the other person. I'll step back and walk away from those types of people. An intelligent and respectful debate is entirely different...i'm there.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
9 May 08
Thank you. You sound like someone I might not mind debating with. :)
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
9 May 08
I do not like confrontations but sometimes they cannot be avoided. When I blow my cool it is really something quite volcanic and I do not like it when it happens. Some people like confrontation and will not let anything pass. I am inclined to let some small slight pass but when the other person becomes abusive then he can get the fuming end of an unbridled anger.
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
16 May 08
Hi underdogtoo. Sorry I've been out of commission for a week so it's taken me a while to respond. I agree that there are times they just can't be avoided, but it makes me SO uncomfortable.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
9 May 08
Nope I hate to get into a confrontation with anyone as I am a sort of peacekeeping type. I hate to debate religion and politics. I am the smoother overer of my family and my son calls me a wuss. andI guess he is right at that. I do not like fighting over things.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
9 May 08
A person after my own heart! Whenever the family debate club convenes I try to be as far away as possible.
@tjades (3591)
• Jamaica
9 May 08
I dont pick arguements except with my sibling and I do engage in a bit of running away but I stand up for myself sometimes as well. I'll just say my piece as like to be clear where I stand and move on. there are times when depending on the person I am engaged with i just cant slink away because some persons are so rude and take the smallest hint of clamming up on your part as their ticket to jump in and have their way. Having grownup as they quiet type who avoided arguements outside the home I learnt through concrete experiences that I had better speak up and stand strong for myself or else I'll get mulled over. I definately couldnt not be like that at home though.I love to talk and engage in discussions about various things. all I require is mutual respect even if we strongly disagree. (lol)
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
9 May 08
Mutual respect is probably the key.
• Norway
8 May 08
yah, i hate confrontations, too. I just cant take it especially when everything is brough out in the table that you cant bare to listen.. gosh! it seems like, if i have a magic, i want to disappear on this very moment. lol.. and i am not good in explaining my side or the things that my mind wants me to say. Its just like, i cant find the exact words, phrases and sentences so that person would know my concern. arrgghh!!
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
I think if you don't voice your opinions over and over again it is actually hard to explain yourself properly at the drop of a hat. Practice makes perfect, right?
@fluffi (1)
• United States
8 May 08
i have a husband who doesnt like confrontations either, If i want to discuss anything he walks out of the room mad. usually leaves me in tears. we don.t get anything solved.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
I don't think mine is non-confrontational. He'll confront other people. I think he just doesn't want to get into an argument with me, and since I have a tendency to run, he does the same. I haven't quite figured it out yet.
• United States
8 May 08
If I am at work, I tend to avoid confrontation at almost all costs. I often feel insecure in my job and feel like anything that happens increases my risk of losing it. At home, with close friends and family, I tend to confront people when needed. But, I don't like to be confrontational with complete strangers or those in authority. I will speak up if I think someone is in the wrong, but I won't push it.
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
Sometimes we are forced to speak up even if it makes us uncomfortable. It is important to be able to do this in certain cases. I do think, however, that discrepancies can be brought up, or difficulties can be addressed, in a non-confrontational manner.
@figjam00 (1445)
• India
8 May 08
I am a very aggressive kind of person and when it comes to confrontations I get very involved in that. Confrontation quickly become heated arguments for me and sometime I end up quarrelling. But I think everyone should confront if they think what they believe is right.
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
Mm. Maybe. It depends on what exactly you are referring to - the topic. The thing is, do you ever change someone's adamant opinion by arguing with them?
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
8 May 08
i jump in there & take up for myself. u better to or you'll get run over by everyone. good luck.
1 person likes this
@shizuoka (352)
• United States
8 May 08
Yeah, it happens.
@ifa225 (14364)
• Indonesia
16 Dec 10
i used to avoid it. i am the peace lover type :) but sometimes, i use to get irritated when someone confront me. err maybe i have to learn how to control my temper
• Philippines
28 Apr 10
It actually depends. But if I think I have done nothing wrong then I won't have second thoughts of confronting the person.
5 Mar 10
I hate confrontations and arguments that I will go to any lengths to avoid them, so I do end up suffering in silence rather than speaking up for myself. Debates are a different matter all together. Provided everyne in the debate has something intellectual to add (rather than being irritating) I like to talk out opininons with people. I have a great deal of respect for what other people think and believe and I'm also interested in what makes them think the way they do too. Debates are positive things.