Are you having a conflict with a roommate, family or friend? Well sadly, it happens to all of us at one time or another. In college, we are constantly growing and expanding as we go through our 20s. Now, conflict can go both of two ways; we can grow and understand why this is happening or we can hate the other person until the end of time. Especially with the recent elections, conflict is in everything we do and everywhere we go. As a young woman with a strong personality, it’s hard to find my place in conflict — do I lose the fight and win the war? Isn’t that how the saying goes? When your family and friends all have different beliefs and lifestyles the question is: Does it really matter?
College lifestyle is weird! Let’s face it ladies, with boys, men (there is a difference), school and part-time jobs, where is the time to face the facts? The fact is not that everyone is going to like you and want to be your best friend. There comes a time when you and your childhood friend grow apart, you fight with roommates and leave the nest a few times. Conflict arises when we are no longer comfortable with the situation — when our actions speak louder than words. Either we walk away bettering ourselves, asking “how did they change me” or we leave angry, timid and hating the world. Hating the world works most of the time, but in all reality, why hold it in? We hold it in because we are scared of moving forward without confirmation of the other person or group. Having conflict sucks, at any age and at any point in your life. Different personalities, upcoming adventures and hobbies…all collide in conflicts. There comes a time in everybody’s life when it’s okay to let go. The power of growth should overcome the conflict with another person or group. How you take conflict represents who you are and how you decide to live your life.
Life is scary, but growing up wondering if Sally and Jane still hate you for not taking out the trash, is crazy! Conflict can come in all shapes and sizes, but the only true thing that matters is how you choose to proceed with the issue and how you present yourself to others. In the words of the great Taylor Swift “haters gonna hate.” Always stand your ground and express your true feelings on the topic. In the end your happiness and well-being comes first — life goes on and growth happens. Make this life great, express yourself wildly and never let conflict control your life. Be great, be kind and be powerful!