Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow it.

When engaged in conflict with my brother, Carl, we usually begin with a period of silence where we both contemplate our reasons for feeling as we do. We usually think the problem over thoroughly before we say anything. Then comes the verbal argument (I prefer to call it a discussion). We try to be compromising and focus on the problem. We are supportive, encouraging, direct, and honest. We express positive feelings for each other to let each other know that we care and want things to work out. We are careful about letting the other express himself while trying to understand his point of view. If you asked either of us, we could summarize the other’s concerns quite accurately. I would say we believe in equal power. Finally after we get everything off our chests and get the matter resolved, we poke fun at each other and feel like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders.

a. Did the parties use the S‐TLC system for dealing with this conflict situation?

How so?

b. What do you think the parties probably did to “stop”?

c. What do you think the parties probably did during the “thinking” step?

d. What techniques do you think the parties probably used during the “listening” step?