The mistake a lot of us make is thinking there is always a middle ground that works for both sides.
To listen to people, the worst thing you can be is "black and white." To refuse to "compromise." You're not supposed to notice that all the "compromises" under discussion only seem to involve you moving closer to where they are standing still. Check it out yourself on any major issue.
Somebody holds you up at an ATM, what's the "compromise" position? Give him only half the money?
Sometimes there is no "other hand."