Difficult conversations can be tough, but they are often necessary. Here are some tips on how to have difficult conversations:

1. Choose the right time and place. Don't try to have a difficult conversation when you're both tired or stressed. Choose a time when you can both focus on the conversation and when there won't be any distractions.

2. Be clear about your goal. What do you hope to achieve by having this conversation? Are you trying to resolve a conflict, get someone to change their behavior, or simply express your feelings? Having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused during the conversation.

3. If possible, align your body with the other person. Our body language says a lot! Establish a sense of safety by harnessing the power of non-verbal communication. Also, watch for what your face says!

4. Keep it short and sweet. Especially with love ones, start from a place of love. However, remember to keep it short and straight to the point. Our brains are an anticipation machine and will fill the lines quickly. Brains are also great at detecting threat and may trigger a bigger response than it actually needs.

5. Be respectful. Even if you're angry or upset, it's important to be respectful of the other person. Avoid name-calling, insults, or other personal attacks. Remember that the goal of the conversation is to resolve the issue, not to win an argument.

6. Listen actively. When the other person is talking, really listen to what they have to say. Don't interrupt, and don't just wait for your turn to talk. Try to see things from their perspective.

7. Use "I" statements. Instead of saying "You always do this" or "You never do that," try using "I" statements to express your feelings. For example, you could say "I feel frustrated when you don't do the dishes" instead of "You never do the dishes."

8. Be willing to compromise. In most cases, there is no one right answer. Be willing to listen to the other person's perspective and to compromise on a solution that works for both of you.

9. Don't give up. Difficult conversations can be tough, but they are often necessary. If you're not able to resolve the issue in one conversation, don't give up. Try again later or seek help from a mediator or counselor.

Here are some additional tips:

• Practice what you're going to say. If you're feeling nervous, it can be helpful to practice what you're going to say before the conversation. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.

• Be mindful. Notice how your own body is reacting before and during the conversation. Use your breath to gain more energy if you feel like you’re shutting down (inhale longer) or if you need to calm down (exhale for a longer time).

• Take a break if you need to. If the conversation becomes too heated, it's okay to take a break. Come back to it when you're both calm and ready to continue.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to have a difficult conversation, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, professional, or other trusted person.

Having difficult conversations can be challenging, but they are often necessary. By following these tips, you can make the process a bit easier. If you’ll like extra help in communicating effectively, click here to request a session.