Conflict: It Takes Two to Tango

Holiday parties, office events, get-togethers, extended family outings....all opportunities for the drama to flair! Yep, It's the time of year when a lot of unconscious expectations, dynamics, and behavior from childhood surfaces for ourselves and others. This can easily show up as drama. Most of us have a pretty good idea of the different kinds of drama that can show up but many of us want to know how to avoid the drama.

First, know that you don't have to join in! This is other people's stuff - not yours and you have a choice as to whether or not you participate.

So, choose to not engage in the drama! Become aware of when you are getting sucked in. It can be subtle, so awareness is key here. Being sucked in can be someone gossiping, getting you to go along with something you might not really be in for doing.

Getting sucked in can even include you creating the drama! Yeah, not fun but it happens. Where are you not clearly owning what you need and want and communicate that to others? Oftentimes we create drama that way.

Having clear boundaries and recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns are other ways to minimize drama.

How does drama show up in your life and more importantly, what has worked for you in minimizing it?