The conflict style where one party ignores the conflict altogether is known as avoidance. This approach involves staying away from the conflict situation, effectively deciding not to engage with the issue at hand. Individuals who utilize avoidance may do so for various reasons, such as feeling overwhelmed, fearing confrontation, or believing that addressing the issue may escalate tensions without leading to a productive outcome.
In this style, the emphasis is placed on not confronting the problems or the differences that led to the conflict. Instead, the individual prefers to let the issue fade away, often believing that over time, the conflict may resolve itself. This can be a useful strategy in situations where the conflict is minor or when there is a need to buy time for further consideration of the issues involved.
Understanding avoidance helps clarify how some individuals manage conflicts, particularly when they choose to disengage rather than confront the challenges directly. This choice might not lead to resolution and can sometimes exacerbate underlying issues, but it reflects a specific strategy for handling disputes.