Assignment:
In relationships with a history, parties know the stands other have taken on various issues and the alternatives they have supported during precious discussions or decisions.
Individuals come to expect some people to push for cautious or conservative choices and others to suggest or encourage major innovations. They know which people are allies and which are enemies. Each person's stand provides a general sense of where he or she would like to see the conflict head. In assessing and planning their stands, people try to forecast likely positions and anticipate where support or opposition will arise. This creates a consciousness of opposition when individuals foresee disagreement or incompatible goals.