WSU students learned how to advocate for themselves in and out of the classroom during a Real Talk Thursdays event hosted by Cougar Health Services. Speaking up for oneself is not the same as seeking conflict or confrontation, said Jennah Strathausen, Cougar Health Services doctoral psychology intern. “The best person to advocate for your interests is you. You know yourself best. You know your needs and your values better than anyone,” she said. Conflict avoidance is common in individuals who shy away from expressing their opinion and purposefully avoid interactions with people with different values. Strathausen said people who avoid conflict may also be scared of letting others know they are upset.