When kids have an argument or a disagreement, they tend to make up pretty quickly. They don’t hold a grudge or waste time thinking about what happened. They don’t relive a conversation over and over again. They make up, move on, and are BFF’s again.Why isn’t it the same when adults disagree?

“He threw sand in my eyes,” I heard a child say recently on a playground.

“Don’t do that,” his Mommy said, “Say you’re sorry, and go play.”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

And that was it. Problem solved and resolved.

But, what happens when adults have a disagreement? Is the relationship doomed. Can two adults have an unfriendly conversion, and then after sometime, move on? Or, will it be awkward forever?

When we’re close to people and spend a lot of time working together, eventually, we’re bound to have a disagreement. We’re human, after all.

We have to know how to move on, and put it behind us. Because holding a grudge doesn’t do anyone any good.

I wish adults could be more like kids in this area. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things we regret. Especially when it comes to technology. It’s easy to send someone an email or text message without thinking it through, or for the receiver to misinterpret the tone it was meant to have. What could have been easily resolved in a simple conversation can get blown out of proportion, simply because it was done electronically instead of face to face.

Be careful with this.

It’s easier for kids to apologize. They don’t feel as self conscious about it as adults do, plus, there’s usually a parent standing over the child encouraging an apology. If you say something you regret, or know you’ve offended someone, just say your sorry.

It’s not that hard.

I’m shocked at the number of adults who can’t or won’t let themselves apologize. It’s not weak to admit you were wrong. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s a sign of strength.

If handled appropriately, conflict can actually strengthen a relationship. It forces people to talk something through, and when two people come to the table wanting to communicate, anything can be worked out.

Don’t expect people to be perfect. If you’re wrong, admit it. If someone apologizes to you, accept it.

Plus, it’s a lot more fun to play on the playground with friends.

Find meaning each day,

Dara