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One of the things that happens in the world is that people…

“One of the things that happens in the world is that people try to avoid conflict. Whereas in the home, you can't. You'll end up getting divorced or becoming estranged from your kids. Keep in mind, the hardest part of any negotiation is agreeing to start it. Once you've gotten past that emotional…” quote by Bruce Feiler
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““One of the things that happens in the world is that people try to avoid conflict. Whereas in the home, you can't. You'll end up getting divorced or becoming estranged from your kids. Keep in mind, the hardest part of any negotiation is agreeing to start it. Once you've gotten past that emotional barrier, the solutions usually present themselves.””

Bruce Feiler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Negotiation starts with confronting emotional resistance; once that barrier is crossed, solutions emerge naturally.

In simple terms: Start negotiations by facing emotions; solutions follow.

Key Takeaway

Address emotional barriers first.

Themes

conflict negotiation family dynamics

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

advice psychological

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • business deals
  • parent‑child talks
  • mediation sessions

Key Concepts

psychology emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotional barrier stops you from starting a negotiation?
  • How can you create a safe space to lower that barrier?
A Different Perspective

Emotions can still dominate, making solutions hard to see.

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