Question

How to advise a friend to not use Conflict avoidance

Answer 1

First off I would remind your friends that they are not the only person that utilizes avoidance as a coping mechanism. Out of site out of mind is easier (in the short term). Also talk about how in the long term the problems they are avoiding will only compound and get harder to fix the longer they avoid the situation. It may also be helpful to acknowledge that while conflict is uncomfortable the more they expose themselves to what they are afraid of and practice healthy responses the easier it will get.