(a) What is the difference between reacting and responding?

A reaction is typically quick, without much thought, tense and aggressive. A response is thought out, calm and non-threatening.

A reaction typically provokes more reactions – perpetuating a long line of hatefulness with nothing accomplished. A response typically provokes discussion – perpetuating healthy discussion (debate even) that leads to resolution.

(b) Are Confusion and Dilemma the natural routes to understand a situation and find solutions or obstacles?

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. Decisions can be made related to the situation, issues, etc.

During the process of decision making information related to the subject is gathered and different alternatives related to the problem are analyzed.

Confusion occurs when there is a lack of clarity and analyses of different alternatives become troublesome due to the lack of information about different variables associated with it.

Whereas dilemma occurs in a circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable. The complexity arises out of the situational conflict in which obeying one would result in transgressing another.

While taking a decision confusion and dilemma is common and natural course of action to reach the desired outcome.