Avoidance as conflict mode was previously addressed in political anthropology, yet, Dr. Kroeker found it to be a common way among HIV positive pregnant women in Lesotho in their interaction with hospital staff and family elders. Dr. Kroeker argues that avoidance is a useful tool of conflict management in long term social relationships and when in need for on going collaborations such as with family member and with medical staff treating chronic diseases. Dr. Kroeker resumes that subordinate parties in relationships with asymmetric power relations use avoidance as an active and creative way to influence decision making processes in long term relationships. These relations are kept intact since open confrontations are avoided and the subordinate party keeps face.