I see so many people in MN saying ‘I don’t like confrontation’
What do people generally understand by confrontation? Usually what I see being avoided is not what I would class as confrontation but a simple request or polite expression of a point of view.
Do we culturally find it harder to be open and direct (in a pleasant but assertive way) in the UK? The French and American people I have worked with don’t ever quail at the idea of saying ‘could you wash up after you use the office mugs please?’ Or ‘I don’t feel comfortable with xyz’ or ‘could you park your car further to the left so mine can fit it please’.
I see so many suggestions for dealing things in passive aggressive or underhand ways , or reporting people to some authority, rather than simple communication.
How do we get better at this, if we are less confident or practised?