Social Conflict Scenarios
Problem: Two friends are arguing over a shared group project. One feels they are doing all the work while the other is not contributing enough.
Question: How might both friends feel? What could each person do to solve the problem, and what would they say to improve the situation?
Problem: A classmate is always sitting alone at lunch. You've noticed that they look upset but don't know how to approach them.
Question: What might this classmate be feeling? What could you say to them to invite them into your group or help them feel less alone?
Problem: A student is struggling with a teacher’s expectations in class and feels frustrated but is afraid to ask for help.
Question: What is the student likely feeling? How can the student approach the teacher and ask for clarification without feeling embarrassed?
Scenario 1:
Problem: You’re feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork and extracurriculars, but your parents don’t seem to understand. They want you to take on more responsibilities at home.
Question: How do you think your parents feel? How can you express your feelings to them without sounding like you’re complaining, while still setting boundaries?
Scenario 1:
Problem: A friend has canceled plans with you multiple times and seems uninterested in hanging out.
Question: How does your friend feel about the situation, and how might you approach them to discuss how you’re feeling without making them defensive?
Problem: A student overhears their friend gossiping about another student behind their back.
Question: What might both students feel in this situation? How could the friend who overheard the gossip address the situation in a respectful way to stop the gossip and resolve any tension?
Problem: You and your friend have been talking less lately because you've been busy with schoolwork. This is causing some tension in your friendship.
Question: How does your friend likely feel, and what could you say to rekindle the friendship without making things awkward?
Problem: A student received a grade on a test that they feel is unfair. They want to approach the teacher to discuss it but aren’t sure how.
Question: How should the student communicate their concerns respectfully? What would they say to express their point of view while staying calm and focused?
Problem: You and your sibling are constantly fighting over shared space in your room or house, and it’s creating a lot of tension.
Question: How does each sibling likely feel in this situation? What can you say to your sibling to resolve the tension and set fair boundaries?
Problem: A teammate made a mistake during a sports game, and it caused the team to lose. They are feeling really down about it and aren’t talking to anyone.
Question: How can you offer support and empathy to your teammate, and what might you say to encourage them to stay positive and not give up?
Problem: You and a close friend have had a disagreement about something personal, but neither of you has been able to talk about it.
Question: What could you both be feeling? How would you start the conversation to address the disagreement and keep the friendship strong?
Problem: One of your friends is being left out of a group chat or social event, and they haven't been told why.
Question: What might your friend feel? How would you address this situation with your group to make sure your friend feels included?
Problem: A group of friends wants to get involved in an extracurricular activity, but not all of them are available due to scheduling conflicts.
Question: How does each student feel about the situation? How could they talk about their schedules and interests to come up with a solution that works for everyone?
Problem: Your parents ask you to help with a family project (e.g., planning a vacation or making decisions about the house), but you already have a lot on your plate.
Question: How can you communicate your concerns respectfully and offer a compromise that balances your responsibilities?
Problem: You and a classmate have a misunderstanding, and both of you are upset but don’t want to escalate things further.
Question: What could you say to start a calm conversation and clear up the misunderstanding? How can you help resolve the issue while keeping the conversation respectful?