Being Heard

There are a million ways to communicate your ideas to the world. For example, this blog gives me an opportunity to speak about what I want, when I want. Personal conversations, however, are the most common venue for essential communication between family and friends. There are easy things to talk about, like the weather forecast or making dinner plans, and some you'd definitely rather avoid. Unfortunately, those difficult interactions are important to face directly in order to work things out. How do you say what you want to say honestly, yet tactfully to the people you love? 

                          "We need to talk...."

If the conversation really needs to be had, writing down the things that you want to address would be a good first step. Think about your word choice very carefully. Make sure the words are not critical of the person if you need to speak about their behavior (since what a person does and who they are differ). Use as much logic as possible, avoiding emotionally-charged phrases that will only incite an argument. Most importantly (especially when dealing with close friends or family), make sure to let the other person know that you care about them. Don't leave a conversation hanging on a negative note. Instead, try to end things positively (even if that requires a topic change). But, be realistic. You only have power over yourself and the things you say, not how the other person perceives them or what they say. If the other person chooses not to listen and only speaks, you will not be heard. Hopefully, that will not be the case. All you can do is try.