Introduction
Across our lives, individuals are faced with conflicting situations which require properly channeled response to deal with. The situations always arise from our interaction with the environment and society, through the people we meet in our daily lives and as a result, different conflict resolution strategies are required. Conflict resolution is the act by which two or more individuals find a joint and peaceful resolution to their problems and disagreement between them (Rebecca & Jenette, 2019) . Conflict resolution is critical in the sense that it ensures relationships continue and grow; peaceful resolutions are arrived at under challenging situations as well as understanding different beliefs, ideas, and backgrounds. Most importantly, individuals must have and show conflict resolution skills for an effective resolution to a particular conflict.
Usually, conflicts trigger stress and emotions hence the ability to successful conflict resolution largely depends on our ability to manage these two factors. Proper management of emotions through emotional awareness and stress management enables clear communication and understanding between the parties involved (Jeanne, Lawrence & Melinda, 2019) . At one time, I had personally experienced and taken through a couple who differed mainly on whether to go or not to go for testing for sexually transmitted infections. The lady in the scenario wanted the two of them to go for the testing while the man never wanted to do it. The standoff between them dented their relationship significantly that called for immediate intervention. I resolved their conflict in the following manner
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Understanding the Conflict
First, it was essential to understand the problem that existed between the two. The problem was whether to go for testing or not. The lady wanted this so much and threatened to abandon her lover if he could not agree to go with her for testing. On the other hand, the man never wanted to go for testing and threatened to commit suicide if his lover would leave him. The situation proved to be a tricky one which required careful handling because a slip that could compromise the resolution would result in loss of life.
Communication between the Oppositions
After understanding the conflict and the nature of damage that it could cost, it was essential to let the two oppositions to communicate their views and concerns. But first, the couple had to understand that nobody was to win here, and nobody was to be right because the primary reason was to resolve the standoff between them (Rebecca & Jenette, 2019) . Some of the rules that we put in place to govern the process were that each party was to listen to the other person actively and only talk when it was their turn or given opportunity, nobody was to react emotionally to the other person's views. Also, when given a chance to speak each party was to air their views concretely and show some flexibility in their interests and not their position. Additionally, each party was only allowed to speak about themselves and not the other party.
The lady was the first one to speak; she boldly acknowledged that they have been practicing unprotected sex for quite some time now, something that worried her though she did this to please her partner who does not want to use condoms. She clearly stated that she wanted the test not because she was suspecting her partner, but because she valued their health and wanted them to live a healthy life. The man had the chance of airing his concerns. He too confirmed what the lady had said earlier about unprotected sex. Additionally, he stated that he was afraid about the results and he assumed that as long as he is faithful to his partner her partner will also replicate in the same manner, and there was no need for such tests.
Brainstorming Possible Solutions
After getting the concerns from both parties, we had to brainstorm for possible solutions to the problem together. But first, it was essential to understand what sexually transmitted diseases were and their courses in which we found that sexually transmitted diseases are majorly transmitted through sexual contacts. However, some other causes of sexually transmitted diseases are from mother to infant through childbirth, blood transfusion, and the use of unsterilized drug needles (Ha et al. 2017) . The possible solutions we brainstormed were; first, they considered jumping out of the test, an option which presented them with uncertainty regarding their health, and there would be no shame resulting from positive testing results. Secondly, the couple considered going or test, an option which presented them with the opportunity of knowing their health status; however, the two acknowledged that they would be ashamed in case any of them tested positive. But still, the counselors were available to take them through the situation, and with time, they would support one another and not repeat the events that led to contacting the disease.
Choosing the Best Resolution
After brainstorming the possible solutions, it was time for us to choose the best solutions from the ideas we had. The couple ultimately agreed on going for the test because in as much as it may result in shame, but it was far much essential to be sure of their health. Moreover, the fact that there are people to consult in case the results are positive, that will take them through the treatment and counseling if needed, made the idea to be better than the other option. As the third party involved in this, I jointly concurred with their choice because health comes before any other thing in the lives of couples and it is crucial to have one another till eternity and not lose them through diseases that would have been otherwise contained and managed.
References
Ha, S., Pogany, L., Seto, J., Wu, J., Gale-Rowe, M., Traversy, G. P., ... & Coombs, A. (2017). Sexually transmitted infections. CCDR , 43 .
Jeanne Seagal, Lawrence Robinson, & Melinda Smith. (2019). Conflict Resolution Skills. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/conflict-resolution-skills.htm
Rebecca Wolff, & Jenette Nagy. (2019). Chapter 20. Providing Information and Enhancing Skills | Section 6. Training for Conflict Resolution | Main Section. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/provide-information-enhance-skills/conflict-resolution/main
