Communication
What is the difference between hearing someone and actively listening?
Hearing is simply noticing words; active listening involves understanding, asking questions, and responding intentionally.
Name five healthy coping skills.
Walking, journaling, music, drawing, breathing exercises, talking to someone, TIPP, reading, meditation, etc!
Why can saying “yes” too often damage a relationship?
It can lead to resentment, burnout, or unclear boundaries.
Why is the easiest choice not always the best choice?
It may solve the immediate problem but create bigger long-term consequences.
You accidentally offend a friend. What’s the healthiest first response?
Listen, apologize sincerely, ask how to repair the situation, and avoid becoming defensive.
During a disagreement, someone says, “You’re always so dramatic.” What communication barrier is this?
Criticism, labeling, or making absolute statements (“always”/“never”).
What’s the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is impulsive; responding involves thinking before acting.
A friend becomes upset every time you spend time with someone else. What unhealthy dynamic could this represent?
Possessiveness and/or emotional dependence.
Name three factors you should consider before making a major decision.
Risks, benefits, values, consequences, goals, and who is affected.
A group of friends is gossiping about someone who isn’t there. What’s a healthy way to respond?
Change the subject, avoid participating, defend the absent person respectfully, or leave the conversation.
Why is non-verbal communication important?
It provides cues about emotions, intentions, and attitudes. People often trust nonverbal cues more than spoken words when the two don’t match.
What are three physical signs of stress?
Headaches, tense muscles, sweating, upset stomach, racing heart.
Name one way to set personal boundaries with someone else
Use assertive communication, set clear and consistent expectations, use "I" statements, remember your right to say "no"
How can we verify that information from a source is true?
You fail an important test despite studying. What’s the most productive next step?
Reflect on study strategies, seek help, adjust your approach, and try again.
A friend leaves your text on read. List three possible explanations besides “They’re mad at me.”
Busy, forgot to reply, phone died, overwhelmed, asleep, distracted, poor service.
What are grounding techniques used for? Name one example.
Grounding techniques help bring your attention to the present moment when feeling distressed. Ex. cold water, 5-4-3-2-1, counting backwards from 100 by 7s.
Why is trust difficult to rebuild after it’s broken?
Trust depends on consistent actions over time, not just apologies.
Why should you evaluate advice before following it, even from someone you trust?
Their experiences, biases, or goals may differ from yours
You notice you’re becoming emotionally dependent on one person for all your happiness. What are two healthy ways to create balance?
Strengthen other relationships, pursue hobbies, practice self-care, and build independence.
What is confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs or expectations.
Why might avoidance reduce anxiety in the short term but increase it over time?
Avoidance prevents learning that the situation is manageable, reinforcing fear.
Give an example of a healthy consequence after someone repeatedly ignores your boundary.
Spending less time with them, limiting personal information, or ending the interaction respectfully.
Which decision-making skill helps prevent acting impulsively when emotions are high?
Pausing, gathering information, considering long-term consequences, and consulting trusted supports.
What can you do if you're experiencing bullying on social media or over text?
Don't respond, tell a trusted adult, keep evidence of the incident(s), block the bully, engage in self-care.