ANTICIPATE ANSWERS: Important
conversations always need some amount of
preparation. Before getting into the `talk’,
introspect on what you really want and what
kind of behavior will help you accomplish it.
Another part of preparation is to anticipate and prepare for the other person’s reaction so that you have your answer ready.

LISTEN HARD: Conversations between couples
start going wrong when a) the couple starts
taking the relationship for granted, b) partners
do not invest time in listening and are intent on
speaking their minds, and c) when one expects
the other to understand more because he or
she feels like a victim. However, the imbalance
between what one wants to say and what one
ends up saying can be rectified the moment a
person becomes conscious of the tone of the
conversation, and makes an effort to be patient and tolerant of the partner’s view, even if he/ she thinks it’s flawed

DON’T BE DISMISSIVE: Research shows that
meaningful conversations happen when people are able to engage in a healthy dialogue. That cannot happen if one is dismissive of the other’s point of view. Crucial conversations require focus on emotions and the ability to manage differences of opinion. While discussing a volatile issue, remember that the other person is as passionate about his or her point of view. If you want your views to be respected, ex tend the same courtesy. You can always politely agree to disagree.

MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS: Our emotions are
not triggered by what we see or hear, rather by the way we process information in our minds – a reason why different people respond differently to similar situations. When
overwhelmed with emotions during a conversation, one has three choices: To start a
dialogue, to be silent or burst out with anger. If
you are aware of this fact, you can opt for a
solution-oriented dialogue, or choose to avoid
the conversation, depending on the situation.
But overreacting won’t solve anything. Ever.

AVOID DEADLOCKS: The main conversation blocks are internal assumptions, possible lack of skills, inability to handle the actions or behavior of others and too much focus on what one wants. As humans, we are very perceptive about people and things around us. Also our brain is trained to work for self-defense in any challenging situation. When we face a conversation block, our body behaves in the same fashion as if it was facing a physical block. It’s important to be honest. Never indulge in unhealthy gossip, and remember that a conversation isn’t about winning or blaming – it’s about sharing and learning.

Source: www.radar.ng/art-life/how-to-handle-tricky-conversations/

Interesting