In the ex's most recent bout of name-calling, he kept referring to me as a "high-conflict person" and going on about how he needs to protect himself from "high conflict people" such as me. I eventually figured out that this is his code for "I'm mad because I want more money and you keep referring to the terms of the divorce order when you say no".
I don't think I'm high-conflict (at least, I try hard not to be. I'm aiming for reasonable and diplomatic without being a pushover). But the term was new to me and I'm wondering if there's a precise meaning to it. Is there a difference between a "high-conflict person" and someone who's just a jerk and unpleasant to deal with? What's the best way to deal with the former, as distinct from the latter?
I don't think I'm high-conflict (at least, I try hard not to be. I'm aiming for reasonable and diplomatic without being a pushover). But the term was new to me and I'm wondering if there's a precise meaning to it. Is there a difference between a "high-conflict person" and someone who's just a jerk and unpleasant to deal with? What's the best way to deal with the former, as distinct from the latter?
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