(Nothing in particular provoked this post, and I don't have any conflicts with anyone here! Just talking).
I find Cuddle Comfort to be a very encouraging and supportive place, and a safe place in general -- which is rare on the internet. It makes sense for cuddlers to be accepting and loving people!
So can I encourage anyone who develops a conflict with someone else here to resolve things directly with the person if possible, or if it has to be in public then not to be too harsh with them?
-- Own your emotions, e.g. "I feel/felt ..."
-- Avoid insults, e.g. "I disagree, but I can see where you are coming from" rather than "You're an idiot if you think ..."
-- It can be hard not to want to defend yourself when you feel criticized publicly, but think about talking to them privately first.
-- If you talk privately and they take it the right way, they will see it as wanting to resolve things peacefully and as a compliment that you want to improve your relationship with them.
-- There's always a way to disagree respectfully without having to compromise your own views. If they feel like they are under attack, they are much less likely to hear you; persuasion works best if people feel like they have been understood first.
-- Someone may disagree with an issue that is vitally important to you, but you may not be able to convince them no matter what you say. Remember to see them as a person who deserves to be treated well.
-- In the end, people are free to say stuff, and you have the right to ignore them if you like.
I didn't have many good examples of conflict resolution as a kid (never talk about it, passive aggression, bottle it up then explode ...) so these things have been helpful for me. It was a surprise for me to learn that conflicts could be resolved at all!
Any other thoughts on resolving issues that come up?