Conflict is not what you see on TV. Both physical and legal conflict come with tremendous long term cost and risks. Physical conflict is incredibly dangerous.

Conflict is not what you see on TV. Both physical and legal conflict come with tremendous long term cost and risks. Physical conflict is incredibly dangerous. You can accidentally kill someone or injure them for life in a street fight, thereby ruining your own life. Even if you “win” there’s something awful that stays with you and drags you down for a long time. Being in a job that requires conflict- police officer, soldier, etc - has what I think is a hidden cost that we don’t truly appreciate. Legal conflict is similar and can take years. If comes with a huge long term psychological cost that sucks away all your emotional energy - the energy that fuels your creativity. Often in conflict there is no clear winner, making many outcomes unsatisfying and unresolved. Unless you’ve dealt with conflict in its various forms, you truly have no idea of the costs and risks. It has been glamorized by film and television, and most people are quick to threaten to sue someone or to “kick their ass”, but they have no clue what they’re getting into. Work to avoid conflict, even if it comes with some costs, until you positively absolutely have no choice but to engage.