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An intriguing specific instance of our more general againstness conversations in a discussion of educational practice that Alice has orchestrated ...

"it struck me that there are very productive things that can come out of the experience of conflict ...it can be very helpful-even reassuring-for kids to talk directly about their unpleasant feelings ... Taking time to discuss childrens' feelings of anger, self-effacement, jealousy, or resentment not only legitimizes such feelings, but makes it okay for them to have those feelings and gives them the emotional space to work through them. A child's capacity to sort through his/her own feelings-and to understand the feelings of others-equips him or her to get the most out of a classroom setting and interpersonal learning environments throughout the rest of his or her life.

Maybe this isn't only the case for kids?  Or maybe we are all ...