If you have been able to resolve conflict successfully throughout your life, you probably have developed a positive attitude toward it. When faced with a difference of opinion, you can be assertive rather than either wishy-washy or aggressive. Rather than become defensive or angry or, alternatively, give in to avoid the disagreement, you have learned to express your feelings by focusing on the issue, focusing on points of agreement as a foundation for discussion of points of argument, and emphasizing solutions rather than determining blame.