Questions 

Answers

Do you often have problems with family members?

● No, rarely. My family is a typical nuclear family and we’re actually quite harmonious. We tend to avoid family conflicts. 

● Yes, my parents are very conservative and not always listening to me. Meanwhile, I appreciate the sense of freedom and I don’t like being told what to do every time. Therefore, we’re not usually in harmony.

Over what do you often come into conflict with your family members?

● Because of my choice of careers,  my parents and I are often at each other's throats. They want me to be a state employee, but I wish to be running my own business. 

● I often come into conflict with my sister over the problem of who will be the person to do the washing-up. Every single time it happens, no washing-up will be done; sometime it even turns into a fight.

How do you often resolve conflict with your family members?

● I think all actions in such a situation only add fuel to the fire, so I often do nothing. We will gradually get along well again with each other after several days.

● I’m sure that by sitting down, sharing your thoughts and being willing to listen to others’ is the only way to  pacify the situation. We gradually forget all the conflicts and disagreements after we have dinner and talk together.

How do conflicts affect your family relationship?

● My family doesn't have many troubles, but those conflicts really damaged our feelings for each other because during a conflict we tend to aggressively defend our view and forget about loved ones’ feelings.

● Generally, family conflicts are the major element that tear up family relationships, but I also appreciate that conflicts in the past have strengthened our family bonds.

Do you think conflicts among family members are unavoidable?

● No! As long as we are sensible in our attitudes and behaviors, we will be able to avoid all kinds of conflicts that can happen.

● Yes! Family conflicts are difficult to avoid because we might not share the character traits with our own family members; however, I think it also plays an important part as the spice of life that enhances family relationships.

Can you suggest some ways to avoid family conflicts?

● There are many ways to keep our family at peace, but the best way to do it is to always respect others and show them love. Conflict can escalate when the people involved are too angry to listen to each other. Misunderstandings fuel arguments.

● Usually, our first angry impulse is to push the point that we are right and win the argument at any cost. Finding a peaceful resolution can be difficult, if not impossible, when both parties stubbornly stick to their guns. It helps if everyone decides as a family to try listening to each other and negotiating instead.