Overview
Discussion #1
Why is it so difficult to end a relationship?
More to the point, why is it difficult to communicate that the relationship is over?
Why do some people choose to take the easy road when ending a relationship (e.g., ghosting, a Dear John letter, etc.)?
What is the advantage of such approaches?
What’s the long-term impact when partners use one of these styles?
Although painful, what advantages are there to having an honest and direct conversation about the state of the relationship?
What disadvantages exist?
How does the couple’s communication style during the relationship impact how they elect to terminate the relationship?
What do different break-up styles say about the person that utilizes them?
How can we use mindful communication when terminating a relationship?
Discussion #2
Why do disagreements and conflict make us uneasy?
There are those that identify as battlers, those that avoid conflict at any cost, and those that are the collaborators or peacemakers. Which type are you?
Why do you gravitate toward this style?
Is it genetic or something you learned?
Who else in your family or household also utilizes this style?
Does birth order have anything to do with it? (It is said that middle children are
often the peacemakers because they grow up in the middle of conflict.)
How come some people have a high tolerance for disagreements and conflict while others have a very low tolerance?
Are there benefits to conflict?
How does conflict influence our life choices (e.g., relationships, occupations, etc.)?