If you have an issue that requires confronting someone, you need to know your options and what to do. Confrontation is often necessary, but not always easy. The frequently asked questions below can help you decide if you really need to confront someone and can offer advice on how to proceed. In addition, these FAQs will also provide you with tools and resources that will help you deal with this issue.
Confronting a friend
If you've ever had to confront a friend, you probably know how difficult it can be. Whether you're confronting a friend over an issue, or trying to get a friend to do the right thing, confronting someone can be an emotional experience. It may also leave you feeling awkward and self-conscious. In either case, take some time to think about the situation before you go ahead. But whatever you do, never try to attack or pressure someone into action.
First of all, consider how your friend's behavior is affecting you. If you're having an argument, try to remember that your friend may be experiencing some difficult times. In these cases, try to listen to their explanations of the situation and offer your support.
Confronting a stranger
Confrontation is a form of communication that involves asking someone to tell you the truth. It has traditionally been defined in psychoanalytic literature as an interaction in which an objective analyst confronts a patient and leads them to discover a hidden part of themselves. However, the newer intersubjective models of psychotherapy define confrontation differently.
Confronting a coworker
The first step in confronting a coworker is to understand the situation. Try to avoid picking a fight with your coworker if you can, and make sure you pick your battles. While it may be tempting to engage in a confrontation, it can only end up adding fuel to the fire. If you can ignore the situation and respond calmly to the coworker, he or she will probably eventually get bored.
The second step is to avoid becoming too emotional while speaking. Despite your frustration, it can be difficult to understand another's point of view. Also, it is difficult to recognize your own role in the argument if you are in a state of extreme emotion.