Relationship Signs Part 1
A friend notices you’re having a rough day and writes you a positive note to cheer you up.
Kindness
A student admits to their teacher that they accidentally looked at someone else’s answers on a quiz instead of trying to hide it.
Honesty
Alex and Jordan are working on a science project. Alex forgets to do their part of the poster. Jordan gets upset and yells at Alex in front of the class.
Jordan is wrong for yelling; Alex should have done their work, but the public yelling is not appropriate.
Jamie and Alex argue over who gets to use the computer first. Jamie takes a deep breath and calmly asks Alex if they can take turns.
Question: What conflict resolution strategy is Jamie using?
A) Avoiding the conflict
B) Calm Communication
C) Yelling to get their way
D) Blaming the other person
B) Calm Communication
John always tries to be better than you at sports, tests, and activities, and makes comments like, “I got a higher score than you again!”
Competitor
During group work, you have a different opinion than your friend about how to do the project. Instead of dismissing your idea, they listen carefully and discuss both options before deciding.
Respect
A friend gets annoyed when you sit with different classmates at lunch, saying, “Why aren’t you sitting with me?”
Possessiveness
Taylor borrows Sam’s pencil without asking. When Sam asks for it back, Taylor says, “I didn’t take it; it’s probably yours.”
Taylor is wrong for taking the pencil without permission and lying about it.
Sam says to Riley, “I feel frustrated when you interrupt me in class.”
Question: What strategy is Sam using to express their feelings without blaming Riley?
A) Using an I-Statement
B) Ignoring the problem
C) Accusing the other person
D) Giving in
A) Using an I-Statement
Taylor constantly makes jokes at your expense, even when you ask them to stop, and laughs when others do too.
Jokester
Your friend says, “If you really cared about me, you’d skip practice and hang out with me instead,” even though they know you can’t.
Guilting or Manipulation
You worked hard on a group project, and a classmate tells the teacher you didn’t contribute at all, even though you did, making it look like you didn’t do your part.
Sabotage
Riley and Morgan are playing a game at recess. Morgan keeps changing the rules to make it easier for themselves. Riley gets frustrated and walks away.
Morgan is wrong for being unfair and changing the rules.
Situation: During a group project, Jordan listens carefully while Casey explains why they think their idea is best, without interrupting.
Question: What conflict resolution skill is Jordan practicing?
A) Active Listening
B) Talking over the other person
C) Compromise
D) Mediation
A) Active Listening
Adam gets upset if you hang out with other friends or make your own choices, insisting you do what they say.
Controller
Your friend sighs loudly or gives short answers when you talk about spending time with other people, making you feel guilty—even though they never say you can’t. They don't want you spending your time with anyone else.
Isolation
You tell your sibling they need to clean up the mess they made in the living room. They respond, “It’s not my fault the floor was messy already; you should’ve cleaned first,” even though they made most of the mess.
Deflecting Responsibility
Maggie posts a picture of Casey without their permission, showing them making a silly face. Casey is upset but Maggie says, “It’s just a joke, don’t be so dramatic.”
Maggie is wrong for posting without permission and dismissing Casey’s feelings.
Situation: Taylor and Morgan both want to choose the game for recess. They agree that Taylor will pick today, and Morgan will pick tomorrow.
Question: What strategy are Taylor and Morgan using to solve this conflict?
A) Avoiding the problem
B) Compromise
C) Arguing until someone wins
D) Mediation
B) Compromise
Morgan only spends time with you when they need help with homework or want something, but disappears when you need them.
You tell your friend you’re proud of the grade you got, and they respond, “That’s not even a big deal,” then laugh like they’re “just joking,” even though it hurts your feelings.
Belittling
In a classroom debate, one student dominates the conversation. Another student speaks up and asks the teacher to make sure everyone has an equal chance to share their opinions before the discussion ends.
Equality
Avery and Sam are in a group project. Avery completed most of the work, but Sam quietly tells the teacher, “Avery didn’t really do much; I did everything,” hoping the teacher will believe them. Avery doesn’t defend themselves at the moment.
Sam is wrong for lying and trying to take credit. The difficulty is higher because Avery’s silence could confuse students, so they have to analyze intent and fairness.
Situation: Avery and Sam have been arguing for several days about their science project roles. Their teacher sits with them, asks each student to explain their perspective, and helps them divide the tasks fairly.
Question: What conflict resolution strategy is being used in this scenario?
A) Yelling to get your way
B) Avoiding the conflict
C) Mediation
D) Giving in
C) Mediation
Avery spreads rumors about you to others and often creates conflicts between friends for attention.
Gossip / Drama Starter