The Breakup: Conflict and Communication Breakdown

Running head: THE BREAKUP 1
The Breakup
Student’s Name
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THE BREAKUP
The Breakup
The conflict between the husband and the wife in this movie comes from the fact that
each one of them does not feel recognized and validated by the other partner. The man feels
as if he is compelled to wash the dishes out of his will. Garry thinks that he should not be
reminded to do the dishes because he washes them when he feels like doing it. As a male,
Garry feels that Brooke is acting up and commanding him to do the dishes and some other
house chores while he should be resting and having entertainment. Garry feels that Brooke
does not recognize the things that he has done for her without her request and only looks at
things that he has not done (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKKyxmf_BR8).
From Brooke’s perspective, Garry was selfish because he couldn't wash the dishes
without her request. She feels that she is not recognized and appreciated having worked hard
the whole day. Broke is angry that the man does not want to do the dishes. She also feels that
she is sacrificing too much to make the man happy, but he does not reciprocate. She tells
Garry that she does not have to remind him to do things for her.
A useful problem-solving method to follow is, “Whenever you or the other person is
experiencing stress, avoid all roadblocks” (Bolton, 2009). It seems as if Brooke is
experiencing stress after having worked the whole day. The best thing that Garry can do is to
avoid roadblocks and solve the problem.
The conflict is brought by the communication break down between the couple. “A
barrier to communication is something that keeps meanings from meeting” (Bolton, 2009).
From the first time they met in courtship, Brooke told Garry that she hates flowers because
they are a waste of money. That was the first mistake that she did because that is not what she
meant. Garry, on the other hand, does not understand her wife. The reason why this
relationship has failed is that no one wants to sacrifice and compromise for the happiness of
the other. Each of them feels superior to one another.
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