A post could become an anthology on this subject. I will try to cover the basics very quickly. I believe disagreements take place when expectations do not align. We all have expectations in every situation we find ourselves in daily life. Sometimes our expectations are not met which leads to disappointment. Other times our expectations are exceeded which gives us a pleasant experience. The same thing takes place in relationships. When two people enter a relationship, dating, marriage or just a close friendship there is this unseen script each person possesses called expectations. Through trial and error we start to realize the contents of this list. Sometimes we find them reasonable, we might just as easily find them unrealistic. This list is there in every encounter and conversation. We are bartering at all times (I believe unconsciously sometimes) to get our expectation list fulfilled. When the expectations list is coming up short we encounter disappointment. We begin to lobby for our list and see if the other person will appease our needs. When this does not happen we find ourselves in a dilemma . Do I pursue this subject and try to obtain victory for my expectation list or do I modify my expectations? The ability to focus and try to understand the other persons expectation list is the beginning of compromise. This compromise needs to be genuine. We must consider the possibility that our list of expectations might be unrealistic and possiblyexp even selfish. This takes practice, patience and lots of understanding. Are you in a disagreement with someone at this time? Try to see what the other persons expectations are without considering yours. You might find the list are closer to one another than you first thought.