What If You Don’t Want to Reconcile, but Feel Like You’re Supposed To?
Tue Feb 03 2026
Join Dr. Emily Taylor as she coaches Clay who is estranged from his sister and ambivalent about reconciling. Like Clay, you may have conflicts that you don’t feel motivated to resolve, but also feel a little guilty about that. “I know I should want to fix this,” says Clay. Dr. Emily helps him explore the reasons for his indifference and assess whether it’s something he wants to honor or ignore. Sometimes indifference toward a conflict is healthy self-regulation. But sometimes it’s rooted in unhealthy avoidance.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
- Sort out your internal conflict (what you want vs. what you think you should want)
- Identify healthy vs. unhealthy indifference
- Create a framework for reengaging with estranged loved ones
Let us know how these strategies work in your own life! Email Dr. Emily at conflictcoach@byu.edu or connect with her on social media: @conflictcoachwithdremily
(0:00) Introduction to Conflict Coach
(0:53) Introducing Clay’s Estrangement
(3:50) Clay’s Internal Conflict: Indifference vs. Reconciliation
(10:59) Exploring Healthy and Unhealthy Indifference
(18:58) Creating a Framework for Reengagement
(23:03) Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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Join Dr. Emily Taylor as she coaches Clay who is estranged from his sister and ambivalent about reconciling. Like Clay, you may have conflicts that you don’t feel motivated to resolve, but also feel a little guilty about that. “I know I should want to fix this,” says Clay. Dr. Emily helps him explore the reasons for his indifference and assess whether it’s something he wants to honor or ignore. Sometimes indifference toward a conflict is healthy self-regulation. But sometimes it’s rooted in unhealthy avoidance. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: - Sort out your internal conflict (what you want vs. what you think you should want) - Identify healthy vs. unhealthy indifference - Create a framework for reengaging with estranged loved ones Let us know how these strategies work in your own life! Email Dr. Emily at conflictcoach@byu.edu or connect with her on social media: @conflictcoachwithdremily (0:00) Introduction to Conflict Coach (0:53) Introducing Clay’s Estrangement (3:50) Clay’s Internal Conflict: Indifference vs. Reconciliation (10:59) Exploring Healthy and Unhealthy Indifference (18:58) Creating a Framework for Reengagement (23:03) Conclusion and Key Takeaways