Elsa’s conflict style was one of withdrawal, while Anna’s conflict style involved engaging.
And which way worked? Well, neither way worked at first (either personally or relationally), since both lived pretty miserably and both disliked the separation.
But then for a little while, Elsa’s way of withdrawal seemed more promising since she could be “happy” in her cold-hearted isolation; while Anna in her engaging felt the full force of the estrangement for which she never asked and never even received an explanation.
In the end, though - Elsa’s way very nearly killed both of them. And if it were not for Anna’s sacrificial, warm-hearted engagement with the conflict around her, all would have been lost. But happily for both of them, Anna never gave up on her sister - never stopped pursuing a relationship with Elsa, even at the cost of her own comfort, even at the cost of her own LIFE!
The Elsa’s in the world do not often appreciate those of us who keep engaging with them like annoying little Anna’s.... But don’t feel bad, my fellow Anna. Our way might hurt us more than their way hurts them, but in the end it’s our way that works. That’s all. 😉
Key song lyric: “Beware the frozen heart!”
Elsa’s key admission: “I don’t know how to unfreeze!”
Elsa’s key lesson: “Love can thaw!”
