Dear Abby....

I remember the days when we read the column "Dear Abby" in the newspaper for the latest wisdom.  Some of it was worldly, some of it was not.  
Someone shared this one recently, and thought I would post it here.
This is some advice from someone who played the role as mediator, peacemaker, and an advocate of conflict avoidance.

1. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.  It is all right to be assertive, but not aggressive, abusive or abrasive.
2.When someone says something with which you disagree, try not to be judgmental
3. Maintain eye contact when greeting people, and shake their hands.  Touching is important.
4.Be kind and courteous to everyone.
5.Remember that civility is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
6.Speak softly.  (People tune out loud, angry voices)
7.Saving face is important.  Give your opponent the opportunity to withdraw.
8. Your attitude is more important than your aptitude.
9.Mutual respect is the key to avoiding conflict.
10.Give the other person a chance to be heard without interrupting.
11.The shortest distance between two people is a smile.

by:  Peter S. Chantillis, Attorney Mediator

Some of these principles I think I have discovered somewhere..in my Bible...just in different words...!