There is danger ahead if you slip.
The slope is divided into three zones:
-
The Escape Zone: Deny, Blame Game, and Run Away
- The Attack Zone: Put Downs, Gossip, Fight
- The Work-It-Out Zone: Overlook, Talk-It-Out, and Get Help
Escape Responses
These responses are used to get away from a conflict instead of trying to resolve it. They delay healing.
Denial—
Pretending that a conflict does not exist or refusing to do what we can to work it out
Blame Game—
Blaming others for the problem, pretending we did nothing wrong, covering up what we did, lying
Run Away—
Prolonging the problem by running away from the other person
Attack Responses
These are wrong attempts to win a fight rather than resolve it. They damage a relationship further rather than repairing it.
Put Downs—
Attacking others with harsh and cruel words, stirring up anger in others
Gossip—
Talking about others behind their backs
Fight—
Using physical force to get our way
Work-It-Out Responses
These are the only good ways to respond to a conflict.
Overlook an Offense—
Dealing with an offense yourself by simply deciding to forgive a wrong
Talk-It-Out—
Going directly to the other person to talk out your disagreements
Get Help—
Asking a parent or teacher to help you decide how to handle the conflict you are involved in
