Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field (EDUC - 6165 - 2) Effective Ways to Argue

            For this assignment I was asked to think on an argument that I had with someone and create two new resolutions of how I could have handled the issue.  I will first admit that I have learned so much about communicating effectively sense I have been in this class.

            Typically, I try not to argue with people, I just walk away.  However, there is an argument that stands out in my mind that I don’t mind sharing.  I have a friend, that for the sake of writing this paper I will just call her Charity.  Charity and I were friends since as long as I could remember which means we practically grew up together.  One day I found out some information that was being said about Charity.  Being her best friend, immediately I wanted to share it with her, but I was not sure if that was a wise move.  Therefore, I did not share it right away, instead I took a couple of days and prayed over it.  One day we were hanging out and having a good time.  I figured this is a great time to tell her the news because she is in good spirits, and I decided to tell her the news. She became so angered with me yelling and using profanity at me.  Naturally, I tried to walk away and she followed me.  After the escape route did not work, I began yelling and using some choice words myself.  I knew right away that telling her was the wrong thing to do but it was too late to regret and too early to apologize.  We both needed to take a minute and calm down first.  Moving forward, maybe about six months later we ran into each other at the store and somehow we just picked right back up where we left off.  It was as if we had been talking all along, and no one ever apologized for the issue. 

            From this communications class I have discovered different methods that I could have used.  Here are just a few that I will share with you.  A healthy debate will allow each person to share their opinion without yelling and arguing.  Have specifics and limitations about the relationship so each person knows how far to go, and what not to say.  Consider the various communication channels.  Sometimes you can just send a text and never have to see the person but you got the message out.  Corporation and compromise to resolve the issue.  Focus on specific issues and stay on the subject.  Sometimes preparing yourself is a good way to review the facts.  Consider the alternatives. It does not have to be your way or my way, but let’s create a new way.  In the future my plan is to try one of these methods.