Prompt : Some people believe that strong relationships can only develop after conflict and resolution have enabled the partners to speak openly and trust deeply. Others believe that each conflict creates rifts in a relationship that can never be repaired, weakening its foundation. Write a response in which you determine which view bears the closest resemblance to your own. In justifying your reasoning and supporting your position, be sure to include your reaction to both of the views presented.

The eccentricities of human emotions make relationship a complex subject. Conflicts in a relationship are ineluctable. The pertinent question is whether their resolution leads to strengthening of the relationship or they weaken the basic foundation on which the relationship is based. Neither of the above is definitive in determining the outcome of a conflict.Conflicts may improve understanding between partners if properly resolved, otherwise they just corrupt the mutual understanding.

Proper resolution of a conflict involves admission of guilt and commitment to improve by mistaken party. If one does not admit his misdeed that lead to the conflict then the same mistakes are bound to happen again. This puts the future of a relationship in jeopardy. If resolved properly, the partners are better able to understand each others expectations from the relationship. This fosters love and strengthens the relationship. Thus a conflict does not necessarily damage the relationship permanently.

While proper resolution of a conflict may prove to be a boon for the relationship. It is not the only mean to allow partners to trust each other and speak openly. Trust and honesty are basic pillars of any relationship. Love has the power to foster trust and honesty irrespective of any conflict. Hence, it is not necessary that a strong relationship develops only after conflict and its resolution.
In absence of proper conflict resolution, rifts certainly arise in a relationship. One of the partners, for instance, might hold a grudge against another which in turn leads to bitterness and ultimately the demise of a relationship. Thus it is necessary that both the afflicted parties talk out a solution and speak openly.

The role of a conflict in a relationship also depends on its gravitas and the extent to which both persons are affected by the conflict. For example, if the conflict is small its resolution will most likely lead to a better relationship with more understanding between the partners. On the other hand, if one of the person is deeply affected by the conflict then it becomes very hard to carry on the relationship in the state it was previously in, if not better.

To recapitulate, the outcome of a conflict is based on - proper resolution and the seriousness of the conflict. Hence, it can not be explicitly claimed that conflicts lead to a strengthened relationship or to a weakened one.