Instruction
Read the case study IN THE UPLOADED DOCUMENT about the dissolution of Steve and Ellen’s relationship. As you read the case study, imagine that you find yourself in conversation with first Steve and then Ellen as described in the third paragraph. Then consider a similar situation with the following details:
This time, your sister Patricia is married to your best college friend, Mario. Mario and Patricia are in their early 30s and are growing more distant after Patricia completed grad school and changed careers. She now works one town away while Mario remains in the same assistant management position at a retail store that he has held since college, a job he loves. Over the past few months, you’ve seen less of Mario and Patricia, and very rarely as a couple. They don’t seem to spend much time together. Mario confides his doubts about the relationship and asks whether Patricia has expressed interest in any of the men she works with at her office. Mario tells you that he thinks that a manager at another store in the mall might be interested in him if he and Patricia get a divorce. At lunch with the three of you, Patricia publicly expressed her frustration with Mario: “You act like you’re still in college. You’re working the same job, have the same friends, and don’t seem to have any ambition. Don’t you want something more?” Later, Patricia confides to you privately: “I feel like it’s time I got a divorce. What do you think?”
After reviewing the case study (IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT ) and the scenario above, answer the following questions:
While the two scenarios are very similar, does the age and relationship status of the couples in each scenario impact your perception of the conflict? If so, how do the two situations differ?
If you were the brother in these two scenarios, how could you maintain your relationship with your friend and your sister? Would it be easier in one situation than the other? If so, why?
Finally, choose to create an ethical response to the characters in one of the two scenarios. Then provide a suggested message utilizing your knowledge of managing conflict that you would deliver to each character. Explain how you applied at least one conflict management technique in order to manage the situation and your role in it. NOTE* PLEASE USE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT*