he conflicting side (Fisher, Ury, and Patton 18). Our society has a certain norm in mind when judging people and situations. It is not uncommon to say that over half of Americans do not agree with same-sex unions (Goldberg-Hiller 25).
             Another important tool to use to help solve this conflict is to remember that both sides, being the negotiators, are people first and foremost (Fisher, Ury, and Patton 18). Gay and or lesbian couples should not be taken as statistics. Each couple has different circumstances. The public does not hold the view that everyone is the same, so why should the gay and lesbian couples be considered as one statistic (Fisher, Ury, and Patton 18). By using this idea both sides will be able to slowly grasp exactly who they are working with as well as what they are up against. It will eventually be a stepping stone in helping solve this conflict.
             Another useful step to use is "knowing how to understanding the relationship". It is important to understand that the relationship easily becomes entangled with the conflict (Fisher, Ury, and Patton 20). In other words the relatives of these gay and lesbian couples are more than likely your neighbors, friends, or even your family physician (Goldberg-Hiller 114). This becomes a problem within a conflict, because now one person's view becomes an influential factor on another person's view on this conflict. Same-Sex partners are not only moving in next door, they are starting to be more vocal about their home lives. This is meant to be seen as an inspiration to legalize these same-sex unions ("Same-Sex Partners" 5). These partners seem to think if they annoy, or talk to people enough about this issue, that the citizens of this country will eventually break down and legalize these unions ("Same-Sex Partners" 5). This creates a very entangled mess, which can only be unknotted by understanding how it got knotte...