With a little bit of spin... --- My reading of your and Petru's exchange is that you are both right! One can be true to one's principles while also compromising. All negotiation involves compromise, but the give and take can still occur within the parameters set by one's brief and convictions.

Perhaps the word 'unbending' suggested rigidity and a refusal to compromise. I'd suggest replacing it with 'honour one's principles.'

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu