Drama sells in the box office, newsstands, social media feeds and more. It draws an audience because it is interesting. Yet, because drama often plays on relational conflict, it is painful. Because we are relational beings, we unfortunately find ourselves too often on drama's stage. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Craig Stickling peels back the layers of drama and helps us escape its trap.

Show Notes:

Drama defined:

• Interesting relational or situational conflict.

What is drama's ill effect?

• It can provoke us to poor behavior.
• It can divide relationships.

What elements does drama play on?

• Drama draws an audience.
• Drama grasps for sides to be drawn.
• Drama is fueled by unregulated emotion.
• Drama tempts us to be disingenuous about the truth.

How do I know if I induce drama?

• I like the exhilaration of conflict.
• I like attention.
• I am easily offended and sensitive.
• I don't regulate my emotion.

How can I calm the drama?

• Don't gossip.
• Regulate your emotion.
• Resist impulsivity for patient, measured responses.
• Seek the whole truth.
• Keep healthy boundaries.