Conflict is inevitable. We are all humans with our own opinions, ideas, and beliefs. Learning to handle conflict is an earmark of maturity. Make a resolution now to learn to talk through disagreements and difficulties in order to reach viable solutions. No more storming off mad or screaming until you forgot what started the argument in the first place.

Choose your battles. Some people are willing to argue about any and everything. Don't indulge their need for conflict. That's a personal problem. You don't have to be right all the time. Even if you are right, you don't have to rub the other person's nose in it. Some battles just aren't worth fighting. Choose battles that have meaning or substance.

If your toes are easily stepped on, get a pair of steal-toe boots. You can't take everything personally. Frankly, if you do, you are being self-centered. Most of the time the other person or persons are thinking about their own perspective and stake in the battle. Remember, it's not about you. Stick to the issues and you will find you have fewer issues about which you disagree.

Don't play the blame game. When there is a problem, there is a problem. At the point it has become an issue it is a mute point how the problem started, or who started the problem. Placing blame only puts others on the defensive, which hinders open, honest conversation. Accepting blame, when you are not fully to blame, ameliorates responsibility for the other party.

Approach the problem without blaming it on each other, or denying the problem exists.

Listen, don't assume. I'm sure I need not go into the definition of an assumption. The problem is, often we go into a discussion or argument convinced that we know the whole story, or we know the stance the other person will take. This takes you into a discussion on the defensive. Give folks a break.

There would be no need for a discussion if you knew everything everyone thought and felt, but you don't. If you don't close your mouth long enough, you never will.

When you have a discussion about a difficult situation or issue try to listen more and talk less. You may find that there is an underlying problem or better yet, that you are both on the same page using different semantics.

Don't over generalize. One of the most juvenile things two adults in a conversation can do is use the terms "always" and "never." Those terms are so exclusive, they don't allow for any change of mind, character, or circumstance. Using words like "always" and "never" typecast the individual with whom you are speaking. When you use those terms, you have made a decision based on your assumptions about how they think, feel, or act.

Pay attention to your body language. You can say more with one gesture than some people can say with one hundred words. Your body language demonstrates whether you are actually open to discussion, or whether this is a dog-and-pony show because you have already made up your mind. Your body language demonstrates whether you are defensive about the matter, or whether you are willing to listen to other perspectives.

Be willing to accept that you may not reach a resolution right away. A discussion is just that, a discussion. You don't have to solve all your problems during one discussion. Both parties need time to air their opinions, grievances, and perspectives without feeling pushed to make changes or decisions right away.

Discuss the matter. Give yourself time and pledge that you will both think of strategies to improve the situation. This may mean that you have to take your share of responsibility for the problem. It may be that the other person rethinks their position and comes over to your side.

Either way, change and resolution take time, if they are to be lasting. Chances are if either of you push for a decision on the spur of the moment it will either a) not get done, or b) create an entirely new set of issues.

Positive discussions are an excellent way to resolve problems with family, friends, and co-workers. Timing is everything. Pay attention to details that could derail the discussion and adjust your approach accordingly.