When we avoid confronting people or certain situations we can metaphorically think of ourselves as a kettle, where our negative feelings about the situation will bound to seep out regardless of how hard we try to ignore them.

It will show in the form of resentment, hostility, or passive aggression.

We may associate confrontation with heated arguments and doomed relationships, but confrontation can be quite healthy for the people involved when approached with kindness mixed with assertiveness, can be quiet healthy for people involved.

Start thinking of confrontation as a situation where you can have a radically honest conversation with the other person that could bring you closer or express deep concern and a negotiation where you could both win.

• Before confronting anyone, make sure that you have your feelings in check. Be specific about what you are feeling. Vagueness never does good.
• List the things that upset you and bother you - from people to emotions, to unmet needs. You'll be able to bring even more clarity to the issue and have something to refer back to when you lose your train of thought.

Does the short-term reward of being relieved really pay off more than the long-term reward of "being done with it"?

A couple of hours of discomfort is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you'll be able to enjoy afterward.

• During the confrontation, refrain from attacking the other person's character and keep the focus on your feelings. Confrontation shouldn't be a competition between who's right and wrong.
• Express what you think and how you feel in a respectful manner. Remember that if you were being accused of something, it doesn't feel good either.
• Take responsibility for what you have done wrong or could have done better in the situation and work together towards a mutually beneficial solution.

• Even if the overall outcome isn't what you expected, don't be too hard on yourself and give yourself credit for what you have done right.
• Acknowledge your good and treat yourself to a little something that indulges you.
• Learn how to reevaluate how you measure success and failure when it comes to confrontation.