Demetrius and Carla are friends and generally get along well. Over time, Demetrius becomes annoyed with Carla's habit of being late so often. After he realizes how much it really bothers him, Demetrius tells Carla that he was really frustrated when Carla recently showed up late to go to a movie, and they missed it. Demetrius sees the lateness as a lack of respect for him and his time. Carla is defensive at first and says that she is a busy person with a lot of stress and responsibility, and that Demetrius just needs to "chill out." As the conversation progresses, Carla agrees to call Demetrius in advance if she's going to be late and to try to avoid making appointments when she is not likely to show up or be on time. The next few times they get together, Carla is on time. In fact,

Question

Demetrius and Carla make a joke about it. Using the details of this scenario, identify stages of this conflict process.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- (Source: Prior Conditions) Carla's tendency to over-schedule and to show up late is a prior condition to this conflict. Demetrius's preference for relationships where people respect each other by showing up on time is also a prior condition.
- (Beginning: Frustration Awareness) This happens when Demetrius starts to realize how much it bothers him that Carla is often late. Missing the movie was a conflict trigger.
- (Middle: Active Conflict) When Demetrius confronts Carla about her lateness, the conflict becomes active. When you bring your frustration to the attention of others, a conflict becomes an expressed struggle.
- (End: Resolution) When Demetrius accepts Carla's promises, the conflict is resolved for the time being.
- (Aftermath: Follow-Up) When Carla shows up on time and they joke about it, with apparently no hurt feelings, there has been a follow-up to the resolution of the conflict.