It just seems to be the nature of some foods to stick to metal cookware, leaving us with a difficult cleanup job. Stick-free coatings function by coming between the food and metal.

There is a principle here that can be applied to other situations. Socially for example, an intermediary can often help us out of "sticky situations" when there is a problem. 

In some cultures, all important negotiations are handled through intermediaries. These may be nothing more than a mutual friend of the two parties. Sometimes they are gifted individuals in the community whose personal disinterest allows for honest, if indirect communication. There are also some professionally- trained, highly-skilled negotiators. We find these more in our western corporate culture.

Sometimes, especially if we are likely to overreact emotionally, it’s a good idea to let a third party help us sort out relational problems. We may feel that we are surrendering some control in the situation, but that may help the other party enter into the resolution process more enthusiastically.

For Reflection:

• Consider some situations in the past which might have benefited from a third party to soften responses and facilitate dialogue.
• Think about potential situations in the future where you might need such assistance or be able to offer it. What things might you do today to prepare yourself to work on relationship problems in the future?