They often withdraw from other social activities because they fear that they will be ridiculed with their defeat being mentioned again and again. The result is likely to be the loss of the number of potentially beneficial relationships and continuation of intergroup tension that is likely to generate future disputes. It is critically important that these individuals be re-integrated into the society in ways which clearly demonstrate that society will protect their legitimate interests and that they have an acceptable future look forward to. Failure to do this runs the risk of creating a group of permanent enemies who will be a source of continuing conflict. Efforts to address this problem can proceed from both sides of the conflict.
Winners can stress forgiveness and, where appropriate, amnesty.
Losers can, where appropriate, accept their guilt and apologize for their actions. In cases were this is inappropriate, they may simply recognize that their preferences are not the preferences of larger society, yet accept the decision of the majority. What is important is an ability to look to a future and see a positive new relationship between winners and losers. This relationship can still retain continuing opportunities for constructive debate and conflict regarding the core issues.