Difficult Conversations
Having a conversation that you're not so enthusiastic to talk about can be nerve wracking and scary. You may be afraid of the outcome or the subject is too touchy to just casually bring to the table. Whatever the reason, these conversations are important and oftentimes needed.
Check out this link below for some insight on how to have a difficult conversation.
Talking to Your Parents
Do you ever feel like no matter what you say or what the situation is, your parents either don't listen or don't understand? Maybe they don't pay attention to you when you speak or they do more yelling than listening.
Even though it's frustrating, this is normal. Most of the time, your parents don't mean to be mean or critical of you and what you have to say. With that, they are human and can get offended when you challenge them and their views or when you catch them at a bad time.
Here are some helpful tips for how to have difficult conversations with your parents:
1. Collect your thoughts before you talk to them so you're prepared and know what you want to say.
2. Plan a time to talk to your parents when there wont be any distractions. Avoid waiting until before dinner or bedtime. Make sure your parents are in a good mood and make time time to talk to them when you're alone with them.
3. Don't let your emotions get in the way and push you to bring up the negative interactions that you have had with them.
4. Talk to them only about you. Avoid talking about other people what their experiences are.
5. Give them a disclaimer and ask them if you can explain your concerns or needs first, without being emotional or critical.
6. Keep your composure and try to stay calm and collected. Remember, it's not what you say but how you say it that's important.
7. Try not to be defensive about what they say or how they react.
8. Stick to your plan and stay calm.
9. Ask for feedback and let them know that what they have to say is important to you and you want to be able to talk to them about things.
10. If you know things can possibly go south get a third party to mediate.
Remember to have these conversations when you're ready. Understand that the person you're talking to might not agree with your view but having some level of respect is essential.
