How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Causing A Fight
Do you struggle to have difficult conversations? It’s totally normal to feel uncomfortable when it comes to addressing conflict. If you notice difficult conversations in your life are constantly turning into fights, don’t worry! Many people struggle with this and we have some practical tips to help.
Whether it’s with your significant other, your children or even a coworker, here are tools you can use to approach difficult conversations and help create a more positive outcome.
#1 Begin the Conversation with Statements of Appreciation
Oftentimes when we’re addressing difficult subjects with others, intense emotions can come up and change our behavior. Let the other person know you’re not there to attack them by starting your conversation with some words of appreciation for the other person. This will also help you shift your mindset and theirs.
Examples:
- “I notice how much you care about ___ and want you to know that I do too”
- “You’re very helpful with_____ and it’s important to me that you know how much I appreciate that”
#2 Use “I” Statements
One common reason difficult conversations turn into fights is because we express ourselves through accusatory statements about the other person rather than focusing on our feelings. It can be easy to forget that behaviors are frustrating, not people. By focusing on the behavior and not the person, it’s easier to avoid blame statements. There’s no better way to put someone else on the defensive that to use “you” statements like:
- You always….
- I feel that you…
- You never…
Instead, focus on yourself, your needs and your experience by using “I”.
- I feel ….. “enter emotion”
- When “x behavior happens” I take that as “enter what it means to you”
- I would really like it if “enter solution”
#3 Practice Reflective Listening
If you think you may be struggling to see the other person’s side of things, try repeating what you heard back to the other person and asking if that’s correct. This shows your genuine effort to hear and understand their experience while also giving them the opportunity to clarify anything they said.
Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re putting in a genuine effort to change your communication style and the outcomes of difficult conversations with others in your life. These tools will help you in your journey.
Put these skills and many more into action in one of our adult classes: Addressing Conflict and Anger Effectively.
Looking for more practical tips? Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter!