Louis Nizer once said "When there is no difference, there is only indifference". Conflict is a part of every interpersonal relationship, between family members, friends, lovers and coworkers. People often think that experiencing conflict in their relationship means that the relationship is in jeopardy, or that the relationship would be damaged if these differences are brought to discussion. In my opinion, conflict does not necessarily damage a relationship. In fact, the way we manage or resolve the conflict would determine how the relationship would eventually end up. In many cases, a simple 'sorry' or a little heart to heart talk is all you need to end that cold war you are in.

Conflict does not only produce negative effects. Sometimes, it allows you to examine the problem and work towards a potential solution. For example, if you are annoyed with that your partner is not spending enough time with you and he/she is always working on the computer, it is always advisable to sit down and talk it out rather than let your annoyance grow to a stage where things get ugly. If you bottle up your unhappiness, it is likely that you will flare up one day saying things that you don’t mean. However, if you take some time and talk to him/her you might realize that he/she is actually working on a project and is currently stressed out. Understanding the situation and putting yourself in their shoes would allow both of you to come out with a win-win situation that might enhance the relationship. In a lot of cases, I actually get to know myeself and people around me better through mini conflicts. It is through these conflicts that you get to reflect on your own actions and learn to accommodate to others.