Psychology: Try using the three A's to handle conflict

Joan walked into the kitchen after a hard day of work only to be greeted by an overflowing can of garbage that her teenage son had promised he would take out that morning. The trash was spilling out over the top, and a half-empty can of chili was leaking into a puddle on the floor. With a heavy sigh and a rapidly growing sense of frustration, she called out to her son, who was in the basement playing video games.

Whether we like it or not, conflict is a part of everyday life. In fact, few people can go through a normal day of dealing with their spouse, children, customers, bosses and the public without some form of conflict...