When it comes to any type of argument involving raised voices, chest bumping or aggressively pointed fingers, there are two roles you can choose between. On one side, you can become the Alpha. Destined for a life of inflated egos and failed marriages, you can take pride in knowing you’re always right for any petty squabble you initiate. On the other side, if you have a Fear of Confrontation, you can assume the role of a possum protecting itself from danger or do what an ostrich does and stick its head in the ground until the threat leaves. I’m pretty sure both of those animals are currently extinct.
No one likes confrontation. Fear of Confrontation runs wild in our society as no one wants to be scolded, yelled at, or argue over the last breakfast scone. Those who initiate confrontation are usually the victims of stolen parking spots or have been forced to wait an unprecedented 30 seconds to receive their fast food order (Who has the time?). Something in our genetic make-up allows us to flip the switch between calm and collected to clenched fists with furrowed brows before you can say “hey punk”.
Confronting Your Fear of Confrontation
It’s almost as important to resolve the confrontation as it is to actually have one to resolve. The only thing worse than having a conflict is the awkward preamble of passive aggressive remarks, thinly veiled sarcasm, and eye contact with anything but another set of eyes (with all due respect to pirates). If you’re going to argue, you might as well get it over with than having it drag on into weeks of lingering tension. Unless you’re a spectator of it then it’s like the anticipation of waiting for a volcano to erupt. Which in itself seems like a bad thing to be waiting for. Fear of Volcanoes? Hmmm…
In a world with so much hatred, conflict and internet memes, can’t we all just find a way to get along? No? Sounds like you’ve got a problem with my opinion, punk.
