When mild differences are not resolved, we choose how we want to handle them. We may lay the issues aside and try to forget about it, we may hold onto the issue for future reference, or sometimes we let issues fester until there is nothing to do but disagree. When the issue escalates to this level, the people involved begin to show signs of being polarized: mild differences become more explicit, and our position becomes more important than the issue itself may have been.

The initial steps at this level can incorporate joint deliberation and problem solving, but if a resolution is not found, the parties begin negotiating with each other. Their goal at this stage is to find something that will provide satisfaction for both parties. However, communication is less open, and may result in a stalemate if communication breaks down or an easy solution cannot be found.