Read the Room
You're talking and your friend keeps looking at the clock. What might they be communicating?
They may need to leave, be waiting for something, or be distracted.
Someone compliments your shirt!
Thanks!
You wave at someone because you think they are waving at you. They were actually waving at a person behind you. What do you do?
Laugh it off, smile, or just keep going
Your friend wants to play a game you do not want to play. What could you do without being rude?
Suggest something else, take turns choosing, or say "I don't really want to play that. Could we .... instead?"
Your friend smiles and says, "thats awesome!"
They are probably showing excitement or support
Someone takes a step backward while you're talking to them. What social cues should you notice?
They may want more personal space
Your friend is telling you about a game you dont know anythign about
Ask a question, listen, so say you haven't played it before
You could say, "Sorry, go ahead"
Your friend seems annoyed with you, but you don't know why. What's a good first step?
Ask instead of guessing, "You seem upset. Did something happen?" or "Are you okay?"
Someone says, "okay...." and pauses What information would help you understand what they mean?
Tone, facial expression, body language, and context
You're telling a long story. Your friend stops asking questions and starts looking around the room. What could you do?
Wrap up the story, ask them a question, check whether they're still interested.
You can't tell whether your friend is joking or serious
wait, are you joking or being serious?
You tell a joke and nobody laughs
Move on. You don't have to explain the joke or keep repeating it.
Your friend made plans with someone else without inviting you. You feel left out. What should you think about before reacting?
Separate feelings from facts. Feeling left out is valid, but it doesn't automatically mean your friend doesn't like you. Friends can have other friendships and plans.
Someone says, :thanks a lot!" after you accidentally spill their drink. What might they mean?
They could be sarcastic or frustrated
Everyone is laughing, but one person is quiet and isn't smiling. What might you notice?
They may not find it funny, may feel uncomfortable, or something else may be going on.
Your friends are talking about something and you want to join the conversation
listen for a moment, then make a related comment or ask a question
You realize you've been talking about your favorite topic for several minutes without letting anyone else talk
Pause. Invite someone else in, "what do you guys think"
You and your friend argument completely differently. You KNOW you're right. How can you solve the problem, without proving who's right?
Listen to both perspectives, explain how you experienced it, and focus on what needs to happen next rather than winning the argument.
your friend says, "im fine" but is unusually quiet and is looking down. What you know for sure?
Only that they said they are fine. . other cues might suggest something might be bothering htem
You're hanging out with friends. Two people suddenly start giving each other looks after you say something. What should you do before assuming they're judging you?
Look for more information. Their looks could mean many different things
Your friend seems annoyed with you, but you aren't sure why.
Hey, you seem a little upset. Did I do something that bothered you?”
You say something that hurts someone's feelings even though you didn't mean it that way
Acknowledge the impact, apologize, and clairfy, "im sorry I didn't mean it to come across that way"
Your friend keeps doing something you've asked them stop doing. They say, "it's just a joke. you're too sensitive" What friendship problem do you notice, and what could you do?
A boundary isn't being respected. Be clear about the boundary, explain what you'll do if it continues, and consider getting support or taking space from the friendship
Someone texts, "sure" . Are they excited, annoyed, or genuinely okay with the plan?
You can't know from that message alone. You may need more information