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When two or more individuals engage in conflict, there is often a pattern to the exchange. Those involved may feel that it is war where only one can be victorious; however, proper analysis of the situation might give the individuals the tools they require to interact and resolve issues in a constructive manner. In the case study, "I'm Not Asking For Much...," two individuals, adult mother and daughter, are constantly in conflict and the use of objective assessment might enable the participants to come to an understanding for a positive solution of their destructive conflict.

The interactions in this case study can be analyzed using a tool known as the TRIP method. Specifically, this assessment pinpoints the topic, relational and identity goals, and the process through which the individuals must use to obtain the final goal of conflict resolution (Wilmot & Hocker, 1992). The topic for each conflict between Michelle, the daughter, and her mother seems to vary; however, each new argument seems to keep the old resentment alive. No matter what subject the mother comments on, Michelle subconsciously compares the issue to past interactions between the two of them. She feels her mother is never satisfied with her choices and will always point out her flaws or critique her decisions. Mother, though, is more concerned with the relational goal. She wants to be actively involved in her daughter's life, but her verbal communication for this only succeeds in pushing her daughter away.

Michelle wants her mother in her life, but the constant criticism brings back old feelings of resentment and competition. Michelle needs to prove that she is perfectly capable of making adult decisions without her mother's suggestions. The relational goals in this situation overlap as both individuals do desire to have a positive relationship, but neither seems to be communicating this to the other. Their identity or face-saving goals then come into play as they strive to protect themselves against the aggression they perceive.

The relational goals in this conflict arise again when Michelle's own daughter, Heather, is the topic for conflict. The grandmother makes comments that she feels will be helpful, but again Michelle's competitive nature becomes apparent. The past conflict with her mother makes Michelle wish for an entirely different relationship with her own daughter and perhaps it is her own need to control the situation by asserting this power over her mother. Heather is Michelle's daughter

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