How to have that difficult conversation you've been avoiding : with your spouse, adult child, family, boss, coworker, friend, parent or someone you're dating
Originally published: Boundaries face to face. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Zondervan, 2003. With discussion guide
Contents:
Part I. Why you need to have that difficult conversation The conversation can change your life The benefits of a good conversation Part II. The essentials of a good conversation Be emotionally present Be clear about "you" and "I" Clarify the problem Balance grace and truth Stay on task Use the formula, when you do "a," I feel "b" Affirm and validate Apologize for your part in the problem Avoid "shoulds" Be an agent for change Be specific Differentiate between forgiving and trusting Part III. Seeing how it's done Telling people what you want Making someone aware of something Stopping a behavior Dealing with counterattack and other problems Part IV. Getting ready to have the conversation Why you need to get ready How to get ready Part V. Having the conversation with people in your life With your spouse With someone you're dating With your kids With your parents With your adult children At work With people in authority
