Deconstructing Conflict: Relationship Analysis of 'The Breakup'

This essay explores the conflict between a husband and wife in the movie 'The Breakup,' highlighting the lack of recognition and validation each partner feels. The husband, Garry, feels controlled and unappreciated when asked to do chores, while Brooke feels neglected and unsupported despite her efforts. The conflict stems from a communication breakdown, where misunderstandings and a lack of willingness to compromise lead to escalating tensions. The essay suggests that adopting dialogue, active listening, and a willingness to sacrifice individual pride are crucial for resolving such conflicts and improving the relationship. The analysis emphasizes the importance of change and mutual respect in sustaining a healthy partnership, referencing the principle that relationships either improve or deteriorate over time.

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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THE BREAKUP
When there are such challenges in a relationship, I feel that both parties should be
willing to sacrifice their superiority or believes for the sake of the other party. The reason is
that relationships are given and take scenarios. Every party is supposed to give more than
they expect to get from the other. The conflict management concepts that this couple should
adopt are dialogue and willingness to listen to each other. Dialogue is the ability to talk and
listen to each other but not shouting or commanding like it is happening between Garry and
Brooke. The willingness to listen to the other partner shows that they both have mutual
respect towards each other. For the couple to solve the conflict, they are supposed to change
the behavior for the better. “Things do not stay the same. If they don’t get better, they get
worse” (Bolton, 2009). If the couple does not change to make their relationship better, it turns
worse. That is the law of change.
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THE BREAKUP
References
Bolton, R. (2009). People skills. Simon and Schuster.
The Breakup - Kitchen Fight Scene. (2009). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKKyxmf_BR8
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