Melissa: Can I have a word with you in private please ?
Robert: Yes, what is it? I’m incredibly busy at the moment.
Melissa: Well, I don’t like having to say this but I think if you and I are to continue working together, we are going to have to draw up some ground rules. We’re not exactly getting along like a house on fire, are we?
Robert: Oh, and you think it’s all my fault, I suppose ?
Melissa: No, no, I’m not saying that! I’m just trying to get to the root of the problem and to understand where we’re going wrong. I’m not trying to lay all the blame at your feet. I know that I probably share at least fifty percent (50%) of the responsibility.
Robert: I’m sorry. I’m being out of order. Let’s start this conversation over again, shall we?
Melissa: Yes, let’s. As far as I’m concerned, I can’t see any good reason why you and I can’t get along a bit better. Unless we try to address the problem it is just going to get worse and worse as time goes on and it is in both of our interests to sort it out.