Book cover of Why Are We Yelling? by Buster Benson — critical summary review on 12min

Why Are We Yelling?

Buster Benson

8 mins

Whether it is a discussion with your partner or an argument with your boss, conflicts are a part of life. Most of us hate fighting, however, because these conflicts leave us feeling angry or disappointed. It does not have to be that way. In “Why Are We Yelling?” you will learn how to have a productive argument with someone and how to enhance your worldview at the same time.

Listen to the intro

Who it is for

Best suited for couples having the same argument over and over again, anyone scared of confrontation, anyone wanting to improve their arguing strategies.

Key Insights

Transforming Conflict into Collaboration

One of the central insights from 'Why Are We Yelling?' is the idea that conflicts need not be destructive; they can be transformed into opportunities for collaboration. The book suggests that by approaching disagreements with an open mind and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective, we can shift the focus from winning an argument to finding a solution that benefits everyone involved. This transformation requires active listening, empathy, and the ability to separate emotions from the issues at hand. By doing so, conflicts can become a productive space for growth and mutual understanding, rather than a battle to be won.

The Power of Listening

Listening plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts effectively, as highlighted in 'Why Are We Yelling?'. Often, arguments escalate because individuals are more focused on getting their point across rather than truly understanding the other party. The book emphasizes the importance of active listening, which involves not only hearing the words being spoken but also interpreting the emotions and intentions behind them. By giving the other person space to express themselves fully, we can uncover the root causes of disagreement and address them more constructively. This practice of listening can lead to more meaningful conversations and stronger, more respectful relationships.

Embracing Discomfort for Growth

The book encourages readers to embrace the discomfort that often accompanies conflict as a catalyst for personal and relational growth. 'Why Are We Yelling?' argues that avoiding difficult conversations only postpones issues and can lead to resentment and misunderstanding. Instead, by facing conflicts head-on and viewing them as opportunities to challenge our assumptions and biases, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Engaging with discomfort, therefore, is not only crucial for resolving present conflicts but also for fostering long-term growth and adaptability in our personal and professional lives.

Login

Login to your account

Enter your credentials to access your account

Don't have an account? Sign up

About the Author

Buster Benson, born Erik Keith Benson, is an American entrepreneur and author. He is the cofounder of “750 Words,” and has previously worked as product leader for Amazon, Twitter, Slack, and Patreon. He changed his name to Buster Butterfield McLeod for a while and then changed his last and middle name back when he married his wife Kellianne.

View author profile

Lessons

  • Why you should talk to the voices in your head.
  • Why bagels can be a controversial topic.
  • What your head, hand, and heart have to do with resolving conflicts.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn to approach conflicts as opportunities for growth and understanding rather than sources of anger or disappointment.
  • Develop skills to engage in productive arguments, transforming disputes into constructive conversations.
  • Use conflicts to broaden your perspective, enhancing your worldview and fostering better relationships.

More knowledge in less time

Listen to the key ideas

We offer various commission schemes from one-time payouts.

Find your next read

12Min is very popular among readers and lifelong learners.

Good Micropaths

12Min's browser-based app works for anyone.

Frequently asked

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about 12min

In the 12min App, we extract the best ideas and insights from the world's best-selling non-fiction books and organize them into unique, self-contained narrative summaries that can be consumed in audio and/or text in about 12 minutes!

You can download our app and start enjoying our library. If for any reason you are not satisfied with our platform, simply contact our support team ([email protected]) within 7 days of purchase and request a refund. You will receive everything you paid for, without questions or bureaucracy.

Yes, but the change will only apply from the next billing period. For example, if you decide to change your monthly subscription to an annual one, after confirming the change to the annual plan, the new plan will only be applied and charged after that month's billing anniversary.

12min Premium is a plan that guarantees you access to our entire library of 2500+ titles available in 3 languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) that you can read or listen to at any time through our app available for iOS, Android, and Computer. You can also read or listen to your favorite titles offline and challenge yourself with a quiz to help you retain the content at the end of each microbook.

Yes, if you decide not to renew your 12min subscription, you can cancel at any time and the next billing cycle will not occur.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected].