Communication Skills
Name the 3 communication styles.
Passive
Aggressive
Assertive
50 Bonus Points if you name the sub-style Passive Aggressive (as a 4th communication style).
Which of the following is the subtle red flag?
A) “I really like spending time with you, but I also need time for myself sometimes.”
B) “I feel jealous because I care about you so much.”
C) “Take your time responding, I know you’re busy.”
D) “I trust you.”
Correct Answer: B.
The very common subtle hint of control. This is often mistaken for romance.
Name one characteristic of a healthy relationship.
Accept:
Boundaries usually fall into 1 of 5 main categories. Name any 3 of the 5 types of boundary categories we discussed in class.
Accepted Answers:
Give an example of an "I-statement".
Listening for use of the "I-statement" formula:
"I feel [insert emotion], when [blank], because [blank]".
50 bonus points if it is followed up by:
"What I need is [blank]".
Which communication style is healthiest?
Assertive.
I’m going to read a text message. You tell me the red flag.
“To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of your friends, they’re kinda bad influences on you. You change when you hangout with them... and not in a good way.”
(Will accept multiple answers as correct).
Answer:
And just incase you forgot the risk of behaviors such as this... think about abusive relationships.
step 1: remove support system
True or False: Healthy relationships never involve conflict.
False.
What are porous boundaries? Name at least one characteristic.
Acceptable answers:
✔ Too open
✔ Can’t say no
✔ Overshares” / Over explains
✔ Easily taken advantage of
Scenario: Your partner keeps texting you while you’re in class.
Using the boundary setting skills learned in class, set a boundary.
An acceptable answer should include:
✔ Uses “I” language (not blaming)
✔ Names a feeling OR impact
✔ Clearly states a need/limit
✔ Is respectful, not aggressive
Examples:
Which communication style does this statement represent:
"I'll play whatever you want".
Scenario: You bring up a concern and your partner responds by saying "Wow, so now I’m just a terrible person I guess."
What is happening here? (There is more than one answer I will accept).
Answer:
Response you can say: “That was NOT the original topic sir”.
In Jess's words.. [blank] is the source of all disappointment when it comes to communication pitfalls.
Hint: the answer is two words.
Un-communicated expectations.
Which type of boundaries would the person described below have?
“Someone who keeps people at a distance, avoids closeness, and rarely shares personal information.”
Rigid Boundaries
Scenario: Your partner says to you - "You never make time for me anymore.”
Respond. Use the communication skills we covered throughout the course.
Response should:
✔ Reflect their feeling (“It sounds like…”)
✔ Use “I” language
✔ Avoid defensiveness
✔ Keep it respectful
Give an example of an absolute statement.
Looking for "You always..." or "You never...".
This red flag involves making someone question their own reality, memory, or perception of events.
Gaslighting.
Fill in the blank:
Co-regulation (healthy) involves mutual emotional support while maintaining individual autonomy.
Whereas, [blank] describes an unhealthy reliance on others for identity, self-worth, or emotional stability.
Codependence.
Why do boundaries fail? Name 2 reasons.
Acceptable Answers:
Fear of Rejection, Guilt, Over-explaining, Hoping It Changes, or Manipulation.
Will also accept:
Act out a short interaction using an anxious (preoccupied) attachment style.
Scenario:
Show what you might say or do (1–2 lines)
Anxious:
✔ Seeking reassurance
✔ Overthinking
✔ Fear of rejection
What are the only 3 things you have control over?
Your thoughts.
Your feelings.
Your actions/reactions (behaviors).
This red flag is present when behavior and words consistently do not match over time.
Inconsistency.
What are the steps in the 6-step problem solving model presented this semester.
They don't have to be in order, but I need all 6 steps.
1. Define the problem
2. Identify feelings & needs
3. Understand the other
4. Brainstorm solutions
5. Choose a solution
6. Follow-up
Scenario: Your friend keeps asking you for favors, and you say:
“I guess I can do it… it’s fine.”
Fix this response by turning it into a healthy boundary (1 sentence).
Looking for:
✔ Uses “I” language
✔ States a clear limit or need
✔ Is respectful (not aggressive, not passive)
Examples:
Give an example of ONE manipulation tactic in action. Choose any of the following and demonstrate what it could sound like:
- Gaslighting
- Guilt Tripping
- Blame-shifting
- Love bombing
- Stonewalling
Looking for clear identification of the tactic being used and obvious example of it in action.