How would you respond?
A friend unloads heavy topics without checking if you’re okay to listen
What is “I want to support you, but I need to know you’re okay with me setting limits.”
When someone says “I need reassurance"
What is “They’re feeling uncertain and want emotional support or affirmation.”
They constantly change the subject when emotions come up
What is “They may feel unsafe with vulnerability or fear being overwhelmed by emotional intensity.”
Tone of voice can change the entire meaning of a message
What is true — tone conveys emotion and intent beyond the words themselves.
This anxiety disorder can cause avoidance of eye contact, difficulty initiating conversation, and fear of judgment.
What is social anxiety disorder?
Your coworker keeps interrupting your lunch break with non-urgent questions
What is “I’m happy to help after lunch, but I need this time to recharge.”
When someone says “I’m trying to de-escalate"
What is “They’re working to calm a tense or heated situation.”
During a disagreement they suddenly start repeating "whatever" and "I don't care"
What is “I feel unheard or frustrated, and I’m shutting down emotionally.”
Being honest means saying everything you think
What is false — honesty should be paired with tact, timing, and emotional awareness.
Someone knows exactly what they want to say but the words become stuck, often resulting in the repetition of sounds or long pauses.
stutter (or childhood onset fluency disorder)
Your coworker jokes about something you’ve said is a sensitive topic
What is “I’ve told you that hurts me — please don’t joke about it again.”
When someone says “I feel like I’m walking on eggshells"
What is “I’m constantly anxious about triggering someone’s anger or emotional reaction.”
You offer a sincere compliment; the person immediately lists three things they did wrong/points out their flaws
"I don't feel worthy of praise"
“You” statements are more effective than “I” statements in conflict
What is false — “You” statements often sound accusatory, while “I” statements promote clarity and ownership.
This disorder causes rapid shifts in mood and energy, which can result in erratic or pressured speech during manic episodes.
What is bipolar disorder?
A friend keeps canceling plans last minute without explanation
What is “I value our time — can we talk about what’s been going on?”
When someone says “I’m emotionally unavailable"
What is “They’re not in a place to connect deeply or share feelings right now.”
Constantly apologizing for expressing their feelings
What is “They may have internalized shame or fear being seen as needy or dramatic.”
People from different cultures may interpret the same gesture differently
What is true — cultural context shapes how we send and receive nonverbal cues.
This developmental disorder affects social interaction, nonverbal communication, and understanding social/emotional cues.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
A family member makes sarcastic comments about your boundaries
What is “If something’s bothering you, I’d prefer we talk about it directly.”
When someone says “I’m trying to be mindful"
What is “They’re paying attention to their thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment.”
They frequently make jokes about their pain or trauma
What is “They may be using humor as a defense mechanism to avoid deeper emotional discomfort.”
Avoiding eye contact always means someone is lying
What is false — it can also signal anxiety, neurodivergence, or cultural norms.
This disorder may cause a person to interrupt frequently, struggle with listening, and lose track of conversations.
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?