READ THE ROOM
Someone starts giving shorter answers, looking around, and checking the time. What might they be communicating?
They may want to end the conversation, be distracted, tired, uncomfortable, or have somewhere to go.
Someone keeps interrupting you. What could you say without being disrespectful?
“I'd like to finish what I'm saying, and then I'll listen to you.”
True or False: If you set a healthy boundary, the other person has to agree with it.
False.
You're getting very angry during an argument. Name one thing you can do before it gets worse.
Pause, lower your voice, take space, listen, or ask for clarification.
Your friend hasn't answered your text for five hours. What is the only fact you know?
They haven't responded yet.
Someone says, “Sure, that's a GREAT idea,” while rolling their eyes. What tells you they might not actually mean it?
Their body language or tone.
Someone asks you for a favor you don't want to do. Say no respectfully.
“I appreciate you asking, but I'm not able to do that.”
Someone asks, “What's your diagnosis?” You don't want to tell them. What could you say?
I'd rather keep that private.”
Why isn't it helpful to bring up five old arguments during one current disagreement?
It distracts from the current problem and can make the conflict worse.
Someone gives you advice you didn't ask for. They were trying to help, but you found it annoying. What two things can be true at the same time?
They may have had good intentions AND the advice may still have been unwanted.
You say hello to someone and they don't respond. You immediately think, “They're ignoring me on purpose.” What's the problem?
You're making an assumption without knowing what happened.
Say this in a better way:?
YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ANYTHING I SAY!”
I get frustrated when I'm interrupted because I don't feel heard. I'd like to finish what I'm saying.”
You tell a friend you need to sleep, but they continue calling you after midnight every night. Why is this a boundary problem?
you communicated a limit and they continue to disregard it.
Two people remember the same conversation differently. Does that automatically mean someone is lying?
No.
Someone says you offended them. You respond
“I was joking, so you shouldn't be offended.”
What's missing?
Recognizing how your behavior affected them, not just what you intended.
You're with three people, but two start talking about someone you don't know. Name two appropriate things you could do.
Listen, ask an appropriate question, wait for an opportunity to join, or politely excuse yourself.
Someone criticizes you. You disagree with most of it, but one part is true. What could you say
I don't agree with everything you said, but I understand your point about that.”
Someone says:
“If you were really my friend, you'd do this for me.”
Using guilt, pressure, or manipulation.
You're completely right about something, but you're yelling, insulting the person, and won't let them speak. Are you communicating effectively?
No. Being right doesn't make disrespectful communication effective.
Person A: “You never invite me anywhere.”
Person B: “That's because you always say no.”
What's wrong with both responses?
One uses “never,” the other uses “always,” and both are generalizing instead of addressing the actual problem.
A friend says, “I'm fine,” but looks upset. You ask what's wrong and they say, “I said I'm fine.” What should you do?
Let them know you're available if they want to talk, then respect their space.
You set a boundary and your friend says, “You've changed. You used to always help me.” What could you say?
“I understand you're disappointed, but I'm still not comfortable doing that.”
What's wrong with:
“My boundary is that you're not allowed to get angry with me.”
A boundary controls your response, not someone else's emotions.
Halfway through an argument, you realize you misunderstood the situation. What's the strongest thing you can do?
Admit the misunderstanding, take responsibility, apologize if appropriate, and correct the situation.
Someone sets a boundary that you think is unnecessary. You disagree and feel hurt. What social skill can help you maintain the relationship?
Respect their boundary while appropriately communicating how you feel.