Confrontation is the dressing room for doormats and dictators. Deciding which one will emerge can be a tricky situation. There is balance, a middle ground, between being overly passive and too aggressive. Fear often causes the pendulum to swing quickly, resulting in confrontation which could have been avoided if thought out more strategically.

The decision to confront someone, or not, is the moment when you must decide if you are going to lean toward the side of acceptance, or if something is worth standing up to, or against. Some folks are naturally more passive, and others tend to find a reason to get upset about any little thing. I have a habit of being passive in a lot of areas (often when I should be firm), but taking aggressive stances in others (usually when they are unimportant). Confrontation usually comes about because of my desire to be “right”.

There is no conversation which I cannot turn into a debate.

There is no debate which I cannot turn into an argument.

There is no argument which I cannot escalate into an altercation.

Confrontation starts at my insecurities, attaches itself to my fondness of adrenaline, and forms the strongest desire to prove that I am rcorrect. My immaturity, combined with my desire to be assertive, usually results in confrontation. Truly assertive people have a gift; confrontational people have a problem.

I have always admired people who have the gift of being assertive while maintaining composure. A level head combined with a firm stance yet an open heart is a position that I have yet to master. It’s due to my lack of flexibility, I suppose. I guess I will keep stretching.

Peace, Love, and all things Beef related,

Beefcake