Listening
This skill involves giving your full attention and not interrupting.
Active Listening
This type of statement reduces blame and defensiveness.
"I" statement
Assuming you know what someone else is thinking
Mind reading
This is the goal of healthy conflict.
Mutual understanding or resolution
This communication style respects the needs of both you and others.
Assertive communication
This technique involves repeating back what you heard in your own words.
Paraphrasing
Create an "I" statement
"I feel _______ because ______"
Expecting the worst possible outcome in a conversation.
Catastrophizing
Taking a short break to calm down before continuing conflict is called this.
Time out/cooling off
Saying “yes” when you want to say “no” is an example of this style.
Passive communication
Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and open posture are examples of this.
Nonverbal communication
Turn this into an I-statement: “You never listen to me.”
“I feel unheard when I’m interrupted because it makes me think my thoughts don’t matter”
Believing one disagreement means the whole relationship is failing.
Overgeneralization
A solution where each person gives a little
Compromise
This style involves intimidation or hostility.
Aggressive communication
This response validates feelings without necessarily agreeing.
Emotional validation
This is the key difference between “You make me mad” and “I feel frustrated.”
Taking ownership of emotions
Taking neutral comments personally
Personalization
This skill involves staying calm when emotions rise.
emotional regulation
A boundary without this is just a suggestion.
Consequence
This listening mistake involves mentally preparing your reply instead of hearing the speaker.
Distracted listening/rehearsing
Why are I-statements more effective in conflict?
They reduce defensiveness and blame
This distortion uses words like “always” or “never.”
black-and-white thinking (all-or-nothing thinking)
Avoiding conflict repeatedly can lead to this emotional buildup.
Resentment
Feeling guilty after setting a boundary does NOT necessarily mean this.
That the boundary was wrong or bad