I often hear people talk about “all the drama” they’ve experienced in one group or another, and it made me think about how the term gets used.

“Drama” is a loaded word with many meanings. Sometimes it’s useful in describing chaotic sitatuations.  Often though, I hear it used as a way to shut down healthy conversation and conflict resolution.

For example, I often hear things like “Can’t you just get over it!? This is too much drama for me.”   It can be invalidating and dismissive.

When used in this context, I wonder, is it not understood that the “drama” they speak of is actually avoided when healthy communication is present? Not the other way around.

It’s understandable.  Communication requires more effort, and it can feel uncomfortable. And frankly, not everyone deserves your energy.

When “drama” gets thrown around this way though, people can start to feel afraid to voice their own feelings, opinions and concerns.

It can make people extremely conflict avoidant.

Which can in turn create more resentment, passive aggressiveness and more… “drama”.   No one wants that.

Conflict is inevitable.  I think we need to embrace conflict in healthier ways though; not to avoid it.  It just takes some work.

A lot of work, actually. Communication is tough, and it can feel really uncomfortable, especially when we’re not used to it.

It can make it especially challenging to communicate if one fears that their feelings will be dismissed with eye rolls or overall dismissiveness.

This is something I grew up with, personally.   It’s easy to keep things inside and bottled up when you lack a safe outlet to express yourself.  It’s not healthy for anyone.

Is it possible to use the word less often in this context for the sake of fostering open & honest communication?