Repairing Relationships. Whether expert or novice, each of us tries to repair relationshipsnot only our own, but also those of others. Here are three situations that call for repair. Can you use what youve read about here (as well as your own experiences, readings, observations, and so on) to come up with some reasonable repair advice? What specific suggestions would you offer to each of the people in these situations?

1. Friends and colleagues. Mike and Jim, friends for 20 years, have had a falling out over the fact that Mike supported another person for promotion over Jim. Jim is resentful and feels that Mike should have helped him; Mike feels that his first obligation was to the company and that he chose the person he believed would do the best job. Mike feels that if Jim resents him and cant understand or appreciate his motives, then he no longer cares to be friends. Assuming that both Mike and Jim want the friendship to continue or will do so at some later time, what do you suggest that Mike and Jim do?

2. Coming out. Tom, a junior in college, recently came out as gay to his family. Contrary to his every expectation, they went ballistic. His parents want him out of the house, and his two brothers refuse to talk with him. Assuming that all parties will be sorry at some later time if the relationship is not repaired, what would you suggest that each of the individuals do?

3. Betraying a confidence. Pat and Chris have been best friends since elementary school. Even now, in their twenties, they speak every day and rely on each other for emotional support. Recently Pat betrayed a confidence and told several mutual friends that Chris had been having emotional problems and had been considering suicide. Chris found out and no longer wants to maintain the friendship. Assuming that the friendship is more good than bad and that both parties will regret it if they dont patch up the friendship, what do you suggest that Pat and Chris do?