Diane and Gretchen are roommates in an apartment. When they moved in together they decided that they would split the cost of groceries evenly. Recently Diane has become concerned that Gretchen is eating the majority of the groceries, but still only paying for half. The next time they're at the grocery store checkout Gretchen asks Diane to pay for her half, but Diane replies by saying, "Gretchen, I feel aggravated and resentful because it seems like you're eating more of the groceries than your fair share. We need to talk about how we're going to pay for this." Gretchen feels cornered and doesn't know how to respond as she sees the line growing behind them. What mistake did Diane make in the conflict management process?

She did not choose a suitable time and place to address the conflict.

Explanation:

Conflict management is the process by which two or more parties resolve differences between them.

They need to dialogue and express their misgivings in the situation so that an equitable solution can be agreed upon.

In the given instance Diane has become concerned that Gretchen is eating the majority of the groceries, but still only paying for half.

This is a conflict that needed to be resolve. However she brought up the discussion when they are at the grocery store checkout and Gretchen asks Diane to pay for her half.

Diane should have brought up the discussion before they came to the store.

So she did not choose a suitable time and place to address the conflict.