Q16. If you have a conflict with your friend, what do you do?

Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, including friendships. How we handle these moments of tension says a lot about who we are as friends and as people. In the quiz “Answer These Questions To Find Out What Type Of Best Friend You Are,” one of the most telling questions is: “If you have a conflict with your friend, what do you do?” The options you choose from not only determine your type of friendship style but also reflect deeper aspects of your personality and how you value your relationships. Let's dive into each option, exploring what it means and how it might resonate with your unique way of handling conflicts.

Take them to do something new and exciting to reconnect.

For some people, the best way to move past a conflict isn’t through words but through action. If you chose this option, you’re likely someone who believes that shared experiences can heal rifts and bring people closer together. You are The Adventurer in your friend group. You thrive on the excitement of new experiences and believe that a little bit of adventure can remind both you and your friend why you’re close in the first place.

This approach is particularly effective for conflicts that arise from misunderstandings or minor disagreements. By shifting the focus away from the issue and onto something new and exhilarating, you help to create a fresh, positive memory that can overshadow the negativity of the conflict. It’s not about avoiding the issue; it’s about reminding your friend—and yourself—of the fun, adventurous bond you share.

For example, imagine a scenario where you and your friend had a heated argument about something trivial, like where to eat or what movie to watch. Instead of stewing in the conflict, you might suggest trying out a new restaurant or going on a spontaneous road trip. This not only diffuses the tension but also provides a setting where you both can reconnect and remember why your friendship is important. You understand that life is too short to hold grudges, and sometimes, a little excitement is all that’s needed to mend a strained relationship.

Sincerely listen to their thoughts and express your feelings.

If your instinct is to sit down and have a heartfelt conversation when conflict arises, then you’re most likely The Listener. You value communication and believe that the key to resolving any conflict is through sincere, honest dialogue. For you, understanding your friend’s perspective is crucial, and you are just as committed to sharing your own feelings in a calm and open manner.

The Listener is the friend everyone turns to when they need to vent or when they’re seeking advice. You’re patient, empathetic, and genuinely care about what your friend has to say. When a conflict occurs, your first instinct is to create a safe space where both parties can talk things out without fear of judgment or escalation.

This approach is particularly effective in conflicts that stem from deeper issues or emotional misunderstandings. By taking the time to sincerely listen, you make your friend feel valued and understood. When it’s your turn to speak, you don’t just focus on what went wrong but also on how the conflict made you feel. This mutual exchange of thoughts and feelings often leads to a deeper understanding and a stronger bond.

Imagine a situation where your friend feels hurt because you’ve been spending less time together. Instead of brushing off their concerns or getting defensive, you would sit down with them, listen to their feelings, and explain your side. Maybe you’ve been busy with work or personal issues, and you just haven’t had the time. By having this conversation, you’re not only addressing the conflict but also reaffirming your commitment to the friendship.

Calmly analyze the root of the conflict and find a solution.

If your response to conflict is to step back, assess the situation logically, and then work towards a solution, you’re definitely The Brainiac of the group. You don’t let emotions cloud your judgment; instead, you approach conflicts with a calm, analytical mindset. For you, it’s all about understanding the root cause of the issue and finding a solution that works for everyone involved.

The Brainiac is the friend who always has a plan, who can see the bigger picture, and who can guide others towards a rational resolution. You believe that every conflict, no matter how heated, has a logical solution, and you’re willing to put in the effort to find it. This doesn’t mean you’re cold or unemotional—quite the opposite. You care deeply about your friends, which is why you want to resolve conflicts in a way that’s fair and constructive.

This approach works particularly well in conflicts that are based on misunderstandings, miscommunications, or differing opinions. By calmly analyzing the situation, you can often identify the underlying issue that caused the conflict in the first place. Maybe it’s a simple miscommunication, or perhaps there’s a deeper issue at play. Whatever the case, your goal is to address the root cause and find a solution that prevents the conflict from happening again.

For example, let’s say you and your friend have been arguing about a group project. Instead of getting caught up in the emotions of the moment, you would step back, look at what’s really causing the disagreement, and work with your friend to find a solution. Maybe the problem is a lack of communication or differing expectations. By addressing these issues directly, you’re able to resolve the conflict in a way that strengthens your collaboration and your friendship.

Motivate everyone to let go of the conflict and move forward.

If your reaction to conflict is to focus on the positive and encourage everyone to move past it, then you’re most likely The Motivator. You don’t like to dwell on negative emotions or past mistakes. Instead, you believe in the power of positivity and forward momentum. For you, conflicts are just bumps in the road, and the best way to deal with them is to keep moving forward.

The Motivator is the friend who always sees the silver lining, who can lift everyone’s spirits, and who knows how to keep the group united. You believe that by focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship, you can help everyone involved let go of their anger or frustration and move on. You’re not one to hold grudges or revisit past conflicts; instead, you’re all about keeping the peace and maintaining harmony within the group.

This approach is particularly effective in situations where the conflict is based on misunderstandings or minor disagreements. By reminding everyone of the bigger picture—the friendship itself—you help to diffuse the tension and encourage everyone to move past the conflict. You’re the friend who will say, “Okay, we’ve talked about it, now let’s focus on the good things and move on.”

Imagine a scenario where your friends have had a falling out over something trivial, like who gets to pick the movie for movie night. Instead of letting the argument fester, you step in and remind everyone of the good times you’ve had together. You might say something like, “Hey, we’re all here to have fun. Let’s not let this small thing ruin our night. Let’s just pick a movie and enjoy our time together.” Your positivity helps to refocus the group and ensures that the conflict doesn’t overshadow the friendship.

Conclusion
Each of these options—whether it’s taking your friend on an adventure, listening to their thoughts, analyzing the conflict calmly, or motivating everyone to move on—reveals a different aspect of what makes you the best friend you are. They reflect not only how you handle conflicts but also how you value your friendships and the ways you work to keep them strong.

By understanding your own approach, you gain insight into your strengths as a friend and how you contribute to your relationships. Whether you’re The Adventurer, The Listener, The Brainiac, or The Motivator, your approach to conflict resolution is an integral part of what makes your friendships work. So the next time you find yourself in a conflict with a friend, remember that how you choose to handle it is a reflection of your unique friendship style—and embrace it!