Using healthy communication to resolve conflicts.

Directions: Read the communication scenarios below and answer the questions that follow. Refer to the Traffic Light Rating categories on the right to answer the first question in each scenario.

SCENARIO A: Nick and Sam

Nick works at an after-school basketball program with Sam and Sam's older brother. But Sam's brother stopped showing up, leaving the program short-staffed. Sam says his brother has started smoking marijuana and has lost interest in his job.

Nick's Reaction: "Your brother is putting us in a bad situation. He should get help to stop using marijuana."

  1. Where does this behavior/language fall in the spectrum of healthy to unhealthy communication?

  2. Sam's brother says that Nick and Sam are making a big deal out of nothing. How might Sam's brother's drug use impact how he perceives this situation? (See "Reality Check" sidebar.)

    SCENARIO B: Jordan and Gabby

    Jordan and Gabby used to be on the debate team together. Jordan decided that she didn't want to hang out with Gabby after school anymore. Gabby thought that Jordan was her friend. Gabby calls or texts Jordan every day to try to connect.

    Jordan's Reaction: Jordan sent a text that said "STOP TEXTING ME!" Now Jordan ignores Gabby's calls and texts and glares at Gabby when they pass in the hall.

  3. Where does this behavior/language fall in the spectrum of healthy to unhealthy communication?

  4. Gabby decides one day to call Jordan 25 times. How can Jordan respectfully tell Gabby that she is scaring Jordan?

    SCENARIO C: Connor and Lara

    Connor wants to protect his girlfriend, Lara, and he's worried that she attracts the wrong kind of attention from guys with the way she dresses.

    Connor's Reaction: To show her how serious he is, Connor grabs Lara's arm and tells her never to wear certain outfits again.

  5. Where does this behavior/language fall in the spectrum of healthy to unhealthy communication?

  6. Lara cares about her boyfriend's opinions, but she knows he doesn't have a right to grab her arm like that. What should she do, and how can she respond...

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