Conflict Eudaemonia

There's almost no saint when it comes to breaking the no-eating rule in Ft9 class (not a hasty generalization...lol). Even Sly is tired of catching us in the act, which is usually matched with a sheepish grin while hiding the exhibit & making epic excuses like 'Sly this is my first time, you know I'm not among...' (don't ask me who said it o). Somehow, he has learnt to manage us,but have we learnt to manage ourselves? 

That's how one day o, because long throat for biscuit, I playfully & mistakenly stepped on a toe (at the wrong time)... and all the class heard was, 'Beryl please act your age! ' . And everyone including the lecturer paused for some seconds... Then continued. 

Chei! I was livid. Of course, I heard nothing else in that class. I processed the words over & over, did I offend her before now, what really happened? Ah ah, na me be this... 

We have had loads of conflict in that room, with video records too. However for those involved at that point, No communication theory could have predicted the phenomenon. At such instances, does anyone remember the many slides on ethical judgement, Johari window,  potters box model, virtue,  eudaemonia, conflict communication , conflict resolution , negotiation strategies or the 10 steps to managing conflict? Nope! 

So I was troubled that night, I couldn't afford to sleep with the hurt and bitterness. I decided to forgive & forget her, but how would I co-exist with her in FT9?  Thoughts of avoidance & accommodation seemed stronger...i tossed & turned in bed soliloquizing... So help me God, I prayed. 

As I got to school that morning, guess who I saw first... 😯😯Yes o...you guessed right! I said good morning with smile and started up the stairs... 
#entering the avoidance mode... 

But as i advanced on the flight of stairs, i had moments of intrapersonal communication. 'Hey girl, beyond those lectures, I'm a Christian, how can live like this...forming avoidance that actually means malice?'.  Halfway up the stairs, I suddenly turned ,facing her directly, and said, 'babe you offended me yesterday!' and she said, 'I was going to say the same thing to you... Look I bought you biscuit...'. We both laughed.

Bottomline is that we dealt with the conflict together, had better understanding of each other and my peace was restored. Perhaps this argument can now be valid. 
P1-I'm sure we've all witnessed interpersonal, interpersonal and even group conflicts in FT9.  P2- I'm also sure you've noticed that Ft9 is bonding nicely with increasing conflict scenarios including the 'chicken fight'
C- Therefore, conflicts are good and should be handled by collaboration. 

You know, I still have that little cute note... Lol... I pasted it my room, as reminder that conflicts are okay and forgives leads to eudaemonia.

Beryl Ehondor

TrulyVC