Your friend Markie tells you that she often gives into her partner’s desires to reduce strain on the relationship. Identify Markie’s conflict style and explain some potential downsides of using it.

What will be an ideal response?

Markie is using the accommodating conflict style, in which the needs of the self are subordinated to the harmony of the relationship. Although this can contribute to greater relational happiness in the short term, there can be long-term negative effects. Markie may begin to feel like she is sacrificing more of her happiness in favor of her partner’s. This could lead to greater conflict down the road.