Conflict

From time to time, I give advice.  Good advice, I think.  You be the judge.  

When a conflict arises, and you behave toward your opponent the way you've always behaved, they will respond the way they have always responded. It is a safe, familiar path. If you want a different response from them, you have to behave differently. Change your script! That may mean a concerted effort to tone down your emotional behavior toward them, no matter how emotional the topic. Or it may mean allowing them to see your emotions, if you keep a tight hold on emotion. You won't see change in someone else's response until you change your behavior. You may not see change in them after you change your behavior. You will, however, have broken the cycle. That is the first step to a real difference.