Inaccurate Perceptions

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Misunderstandings are a common—and regrettable—cause of conflict. For example, in the movie The Break-Up, partners Brooke and Gary fight over the give-and-take in their relationship. Brooke is frustrated that she frequently accompanies Gary to baseball games (which she does not particularly enjoy), but Gary never takes her to the ballet. Although it may seem that Gary is selfish and uninterested in Brooke’s desires, Brooke does have a role in this conflict. Gary points out that Brooke never told him she dislikes baseball—he thought they were mutually enjoying the games—and she never shared her desire to attend a ballet. Had they communicated openly, they could have avoided these perceptual errors altogether and potentially saved their relationship.