'"Meow' means 'woof' in cat.”- George Carlin

I'm not into conflict in my personal life. Years back in a management seminar I was told an effective salesperson works to avoid conflict, but a manager actively courts it. I spent years learning how to do use conflict to get things done, but when push comes to shove I'll revert to pleaser mode. Can't help it.
These days, conflict is often sought out because it gets rewarded. Two conflicting sides encourages people to choose one or the other. If I claim persecution, especially by a group, I'll get some people on my side, and others will take up arms with my assailants. This is on my mind because there's a war, a constant source of conflict in our household.
Wilson vs Bianca vs Ajax. Dog v Cat v Cat.
As far as I can tell, Wilson controls the backyard perimeter, the back of the house by his kennel, and the right side of the couch. The cats have free rein of the rest of the house, with Ajax having a front-yard presence, and Bianca having control of wherever her cat-carryall is sitting. It gets complicated but stay with me here. The old cat, Snickers, had the whole house and permitted the old dog, Louie, to be wherever the kids were. Then Ajax was inherited from the neighbor, Snickers stuck to the back and front porches, plus the neighbor's garden/litter box. Louie passed away, giving way to Wilson. Snickers was too old to fight for the backyard and settled on the upstairs, the basement, and the front porch. Ajax was away at sea most of this time, so when he came back it just made Wilson mad. Ajax thought Snickers was old and gave up the family room too easily. Snickers passed and is followed by Bianca. She comes in and, of course, wants to re-negotiate the entire setup. Ajax has retired from grand voyages, thinking he's the elder of the house, but Wilson and Bianca think they're the bosses. So much conflict.
Missing from this equation is the master of the house. Me. I should be the alpha. But does the alpha have to clean both the litter boxes, the yard, and make sure the furry bunch has enough kibble? And what about administering medicines? Did you know pets need medicine, just like humans?
There is constant turmoil in this humble abode. From the street we put forth a calm exterior, a placid familial scene, but inside it's roiling. A struggle for dominance reminiscent of a George R.R. Martin story . . . minus the betrayals, hideous deaths, and sex scenes, but just as complicated.
I need a break. I should go fishing.
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