Communication
This communication style involves expressing your needs clearly while also respecting the other person.
What is assertive communication?
A limit someone sets to protect their time, energy, safety, values, or well-being is called this.
What is a boundary?
True or false:
Healthy relationships never involve conflict.
False.
Name one healthy coping skill someone could use after a stressful disagreement.
Possible answers
A friend respects your “no” without pressuring you.
Green Flag
Which statement is more assertive?
A. “You never listen to me.”
B. “I feel ignored when I’m interrupted, and I’d like to finish what I’m saying.”
B
True or false:
A healthy boundary tells another person exactly what they are allowed to do.
False.
A boundary is usually about what you will or will not participate in, accept, or do.
Someone is becoming very angry during an argument. Name one healthy action they could take before continuing the conversation.
Possible answers
True or false:
If a coping strategy makes you feel better immediately, it must be healthy.
False.
Someone asks where you are.
Depends
Complete the communication formula:
“I feel ___ when ___ because ___. I would like ___.”
An “I-statement” or assertive communication statement.
Accept:
Which is the better example of a boundary?
A. “You are not allowed to yell.”
B. “If yelling starts, I’m going to step away from the conversation.”
B
Which apology shows more responsibility?
A. “Sorry you got upset.”
B. “I’m sorry I interrupted you and didn’t let you finish.”
B
Someone is angry and wants to send a long text immediately. What is one healthier coping choice before responding?
Possible answers
Someone becomes jealous sometimes but talks about it without blaming or controlling you.
Depends / potentially manageable
Jealousy itself is an emotion; behavior matters.
Someone says:
“Fine. Whatever. Do whatever you want.”
What communication style is this closest to?
Passive or passive-aggressive communication.
Someone says:
“If you really cared about me, you would give me your password.”
What relationship issue does this raise?
Pressure/manipulation and a possible boundary violation.
What is the difference between an apology and repair?
An apology acknowledges harm, while repair includes responsibility and an effort to change or rebuild trust.
What is the difference between coping and avoiding?
Coping helps manage the feeling so someone can deal with the situation; avoidance repeatedly escapes the issue and may leave it unresolved.
Someone apologizes repeatedly for the same behavior but never changes it.
Red Flag / concerning pattern
The key issue is that apology without behavior change may not equal repair.
Rewrite this statement in a healthier way:
“You make me so angry because you never care what I think.”
“I feel frustrated when I don’t feel heard. I’d like us both to have a chance to explain our side.”
Why can a healthy boundary still upset another person?
Because someone else does not have to like or agree with your boundary for it to be valid.
Two people want different things after an argument. One wants to talk immediately; the other needs space. What is one healthy compromise?
Possible answer
“Let’s take 30 minutes and then come back to the conversation.”
Jordan has a conflict with a friend and spends hours asking several people to confirm that Jordan is completely right. What might be the problem with this coping strategy?
It may turn into excessive reassurance-seeking, rumination, or trying to recruit people to take sides instead of addressing the conflict directly.
Someone says:
“I only act this way because you make me.”
Red Flag
Why: