Jokes
What do you call a can opener that doesn't work?
A can't opener!
Which of these is an example of empathy?
A) Saying "I don't care" when someone shares a problem
B) Listening and asking how you can help
C) Ignoring them
D) Changing the subject
B) Listening and asking how you can help
WHY: Empathy means showing that you care and want to understand. Listening and offering help tells the other person their feelings matter.
Which statement is the most assertive?
A) "You always ignore me!"
B) "Could you please let me finish my sentence?"
C) "Never mind, it's fine."
D) "You're wrong, and I'm right!"
B) "Could you please let me finish my sentence?"
WHY: Assertiveness is clear, direct, and RESPECTFUL! Option B communicates a need without attacking the other person
Is this respecting or crossing a boundary?
Waiting to be invited before joining a private conversation
Respects a boundary
WHY: Shows respect for personal and social space
What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?
Squash!
Can empathy make relationships stronger?
YES!
WHY: Empathy builds trust and deeper understanding between people
A friend borrows your sweater without asking and returns it damaged. How do you respond assertively?
"I'm upset my sweater was damaged. Please ask before borrowing my things in the future."
WHY: This communication names the problem, shares your feelings, and states a clear boundary for next time.
Is this respecting or crossing boundaries:
Sharing someone's personal secrets
Crosses a boundary
WHY: Breaks trust and violates privacy
Why don't fish play basketball?
Because they're afraid of the net!
You're frustrated because a group member is working slowly. How can you respond with empathy?
Offer help, ask if they're struggling, avoid shaming language.
Why: They may be facing challenges that you don't see. Offering support builds trust and keeps the team positive.
Someone makes a joke that hurts your feelings. What's an assertive response?
"I know you might be joking, but that comment was hurtful to me."
WHY: You're expressing how it affected you without assuming bad intentions
Someone you've just met starts telling you very personal details about their life. What's a healthy boundary you could set here?
Politely steer the conversation to another topic.
WHY: It's okay to manage conversations so you don't feel overwhelmed or awkward. You don't have to be rude. You can simply change the subject to a more comfortable topic.
Why was the broom late for work?
It overswept!
True / False
Empathy means you feel sorry for someone
FALSE
WHY: Feeling sorry for someone is sympathy. Empathy means trying to understand and connect with the other persons feelings, not just feeling sorry for them
FILL IN THE BLANK:
Assertive communication is being _______ and _______ without being rude
50 bonus points if you guess both of the correct words
Clear, respectful
WHY: Clarity gets your point across; respect keeps the relationship positive!
Which action shows healthy boundaries?
A) Asking before borrowing something
B) Taking something without asking
C) Going through someone's belongings
D) Standing extremely close when someone backs away
A) Asking before borrowing something
WHY: Asking first shows respect for another person's property and comfort
What do you call a cleaning skeleton?
A grim sweeper!
Does this show empathy? Or no?
Rolling your eyes when someone speaks to you
Doesn't show empathy
WHY: Eye rolling is dismissive, disrespectful, and comes across as childish. It shuts down communication because it tells the other person "I don't value what you're saying" without actually explaining why. It also shifts the focus from the problem to your attitude, which can make the other person feel embarrassed and defensive.
A better way: If you feel annoyed or disagree, use words to express it calmly. For example, "I see what you're saying, but I have a different opinion," or "I'm feeling frustrated right now, can we take a break?" This keeps the conversation respectful ad allows both people to be heard.
True / False
If someone yells at you, being assertive means yelling back louder
FALSE
WHY: Yelling back is aggression, not assertiveness. Assertiveness uses calm, steady communication
TRUE / FALSE
Ignoring someone's boundaries is the same as disrespecting them
TRUE
WHY: Boundaries are a part of a person's dignity and self-respect. They should always be respected, even if you don't agree!
What kind of key opens a banana?
A mon-key!
Your friend cancels plans because they are anxious. What's an empathetic response?
"I understand. Let's plan for another time. Do you want to talk about it?"
Why: This response respects their mental health, avoids guilt-tripping, and leaves the door open for connection later
Tell me which of these is passive, aggressive, or assertive:
1) Speaking clearly, making eye contact
2) Avoiding eye contact, mumbling
3) Pointing your finger, raising your voice
1) Assertive- shows confidence and respect
2) Passive- Makes it hard for others to know what you want or need
3) Aggressive- Creates defensiveness and shuts down healthy conversation
Fill in the blank:
Boundaries are limits we set to protect our _____ and ______.
50 bonus points if you get both words correct
Feelings, safety
WHY: Boundaries keep us emotionally and physically secure.
Why did the coffee file a police report?
Because it got mugged!
True / False
You can show empathy without saying any words
TRUE!
WHY: Body language, eye contact, and sitting with someone quietly can show you care, even without speaking!
Assertive communication is:
A) Being aggressive to get your way
B) Staying quiet to avoid conflict
C) Respecting both your own needs and the other person's
D) Always agreeing so no one gets upset
C) Respecting both your own needs and the other person's
WHY: Assertiveness is the middle ground between passive and aggressive - It balances self-respect and respect for others
Which is a sign of crossing a boundary?
A) Checking in before visiting
B) Calling someone every hour when they haven't answered
C) Knocking before entering a room
D) Waiting your turn to talk
B) Calling someone every hour when they haven't answered
WHY: Repeated contact after no response can feel controlling and invasive.
Definition of invasive:
tending to intrude on a person's thoughts or privacy.