The late U.S. Senator and civil rights leader John Lewis famously urged people to “get in good trouble”. How can we know, exactly, what “good trouble” is? How do we know we aren’t just getting in trouble?
Share why if you wish.
Category: Courage
When Is Confrontation Preferable?
Confrontation can be awkward for some. In some cases, however, it just might be the preferable course of action. But which cases?
Some people are just naturally non-confrontational. Perhaps it is how they were raised, or maybe it’s just a personality trait. Whatever the reason, there is some subset of the populace that doesn’t feel comfortable confronting others. Even if they deserve it.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are aggressive people for whom confrontation is not an issue. As a default, they might challenge just about anyone they meet, for the slightest — or even no — reason.
Chances are, you lie somewhere between these two extremes. And yet, the issue of deciding when to challenge and when to defer is one that each one of us — no matter where we fall on the confrontation spectrum — faces regularly.
So how can we decide? Which circumstances are right for getting in someone’s face, even if it is uncomfortable to do so? When is it better to back down? And how might you overcome your natural inclination when you decide you should, whether it be to be more or less confrontational than is natural?
Related questions: Avoidance or confrontation? How do you stand up to a bully? How can we build confidence? What gives a person value?
When Have You Been Brave?
Every life offers many opportunities to be brave. What are some of yours?
Share why if you wish.