Here’s another interesting metaphor to do with body parts and conflict. The visual here of ‘stepping on someone’s toes’ is, as with many idiomatic images, quite vivid. That is, I imagine the experience of having this happen – figurative though it is – would feel like an invasive, hurtful, and insulting act that can easily lead to conflict.

One definition describes this interaction as offending or insulting…

It’s interesting to me how various body parts represent statements used about conflict concepts and states of ‘being’ at these times. Getting a “nose out of joint” is one of those. The origin of this phrase reportedly dates back to 1581 and was used by Barnaby Rich in His Farewell to Militarie Profession. The related quote is: “It could bee no other then his owne manne, that has thrust his nose so farre out of…

I have talked about forgiveness in a previous blog entitled “Forgiving When Asked”. More recently, a fascinating discussion on the words “I’m sorry” came up on the …

What often happens in the middle of an interpersonal conflict is that, for one reason or another, one or both people become increasingly agitated and words and emotions accelerate in intensity and negativity. This shows up in various other ways too, such as talking louder and getting more aggressive and blameful. The outpouring of feelings typically opens up a faucet of vitriol, attributions, and for some, tears. It is a time we may feel out of control and choice.

Though I often think…