Defensive communication happens in all different types of relationships. This is when a person tries to guard themselves from others. There are many different types of defensive communication that can be used. Some examples of defensive communication are avoidance, psychological withdrawal, distancing, reaction formation, sarcasm, outdoing others, overly critical communication and formula communication. When conflict occurs in a relationship it is often intermingled with a large amount of defensive communication. Defensive communication is communicating to …showed first 75 words of 513 total…

…showed last 75 words of 513 total…on the bus - fully ignoring one another- they are exercising avoidance. Due to the conflict between teammates based on race, they are avoiding one another because neither group wants to address the issue. It is impossible to avoid any of these defense mechanisms that people use. But with the understanding and knowledge of them, we can help and resolve them when they do occur. And with that, it can lead to more significant relationships.