Texting Drama
Your friend texts you, “K.” You think they are angry with you. What should you do before assuming they are upset?
Ask them what they meant instead of assuming they are angry.
Your friend tells you that they are upset with you. What should you do first?
Listen to them and allow them to explain how they feel.
Someone bumps into you in the hallway, and you think they did it on purpose. What would you do?
Stay calm and find out what happened before reacting.
My friend hasn't texted me back, so they must be mad at me.”
ASSUMPTION
Which is better during a disagreement: yelling or using a calm voice?
Using a calm voice.
You receive an angry text and immediately want to respond with an even angrier message. What should you do first?
Take a break, calm down, and respond when you are no longer upset.
Two of your friends are arguing, and both want you to take their side. What is a healthy choice?
Stay neutral and encourage them to communicate directly with each other.
Your friend says something embarrassing about you in front of other people. What would you do?
Talk to them privately and explain how their comment made you feel.
“I saw my friend talking to someone else during lunch.”
FACT
Complete the sentence: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
Example: I feel frustrated when you don't listen to me because I feel like I am not being heard.
An “I” statement that explains a feeling without blaming another person.
Someone sends you a screenshot of a private conversation between you and another friend. What is a healthy response?
Avoid spreading it further and address the situation directly with the person involved.
Your friend keeps interrupting you whenever you try to explain yourself. What could you say?
“I want to hear what you have to say. Can you please let me finish, and then I’ll listen to you?
You hear that someone has been talking about you behind your back. What would you do?
Don't immediately confront them angrily. Get the facts and, if necessary, calmly talk to the person involved.
She rolled her eyes because she doesn't respect me.”
ASSUMPTION
What does active listening mean?
Paying attention, allowing the person to speak, not interrupting, and trying to understand what they are saying.
Your friend doesn't respond to your message for several hours. Name two possible reasons they may not have responded.
They may be busy, sleeping, doing homework, with family, without their phone, or simply haven't seen the message.
Your friend makes plans with other people without inviting you. You feel left out. What is a healthy way to handle it?
Talk to your friend calmly about how you felt rather than immediately assuming they don't like you.
You're arguing with someone and notice that your voice is getting louder. What would you do?
Take a break, use a calming strategy, and return to the conversation when you are calmer.
“He told me directly that he was upset about what happened.”
FACT
Which statement is more effective?
A. “You never listen to me!”
B. “I feel frustrated when I don't feel heard.”
B. It uses an “I” statement and communicates the person's feelings without attacking the other person.
You are upset with a friend and want to send a long paragraph explaining everything they did wrong. What communication strategy could make the situation more productive?
Wait until you are calm, use respectful language, focus on the specific problem, and use “I” statements instead of blaming.
A friend apologizes after an argument, but you're still upset. Do you have to immediately act like everything is okay?
No. You can accept the apology while still taking time to process your feelings.
Two friends are arguing, and one asks you to send an insulting message to the other person for them. What would you do?
Refuse to participate and encourage them to address the conflict respectfully and directly.
“Everyone at school thinks I'm annoying.”
ASSUMPTION
*Daily Double *
You are arguing with a friend. You are both upset, talking over each other, and getting louder. Name at least three communication or conflict-resolution skills you could use to make the situation better.
Possible Answers: