Scruff's Steps for Getting Along

Stop, look, and listen: Check yourselves out. Are either of you too upset to deal with the conflict right now? First, calm down by counting to 10, taking some deep breaths, or doing whatever works best for you.

What's the problem?: Investigate the facts. What exactly is the problem? Take turns describing the problem to each other. Each of you may be talking about a different problem.

Rack your brains: Think of as many ways as you can to solve your problem. Remember, there is always more than one solution to any conflict. Write them down. Don't worry about whether all your ideas are good.

Use your judgment: Now is the time to judge which solution is best. Look at each one and think about the consequences. What might happen if you were to chose a certain idea? Is that particular choice one that will get you what you need? Will you both be happy with this way of handling things?

Make a plan: Figure out how to carry out your solution to the problem. What do each of you need to do?

Forward ho!: Move forward and set your plan into motion. Congratulate yourselves. Decide that you will talk sometime soon about how well your plan worked.