When Someone Goes Off Topic
A friend starts talking about something else while you're mid-conversation. What's a polite way to bring the topic back?
You can say:
"That's interesting — can we get back to what we were talking about?"
OR
"That's interesting - can we talk about that when we finish with this discussion?"
Other acceptable answers exist as well!
What's a polite way to ask someone for help?
"Could you please help me with this?"
What's a calm way to tell someone you see things differently?
"I see it a little differently..."
What are the first two words of a simple apology?
I'm sorry
What's a calm way to tell someone you're upset?
"I feel upset about this."
What might you do if it appears the other person is not interested in the original topic?
Talk about something new or politely end the conversation
A friend asks you to do something you don't want to do. What's a respectful way to say no?
"I appreciate you asking, but I can't do that right now."
True or False: Raising your voice helps you win a disagreement.
False. Staying calm works better. Also, what does it mean to "win" a disagreement?
After saying "I'm sorry," what should you add to make the apology clear?
Name what happened: "I'm sorry I was late."
True or False: It's okay to feel angry sometimes.
True
Many possible answers could be correct!
True or False: You should always say yes to avoid conflict.
False. It's okay to say no.
What can you say right before sharing an opinion that's different from someone else's?
"I understand your point, and here's how I see it..."
True or False: A good apology includes an excuse for what you did.
False. It's best to keep an apology simple and direct.
Name one healthy way to calm down when you feel angry.
Deep breaths, counting to ten, or stepping away for a moment.
Name one of the skills needed to get your point across
1. deciding the main point you want to get across
2. speaking in short sentences and staying on the topic
3. pausing to let the other person speak or ask questions
4. answering any questions
What's a good way to ask for time before you answer a request?
"Can I think about it and let you know later?"
Is it okay to disagree with someone you care about?
Yes - everyone has their own experiences and opinions, and disagreeing doesn't mean you don't care about them.
What's one way to show someone you really mean your apology?
Follow through by changing your behavior next time.
What's a respectful way to tell someone they hurt your feelings?
A friend goes off topic and seems upset about something. What should you think about before redirecting?
Consider letting them finish first — they may need to be heard before switching topics.
Give an example of turning down an invitation kindly.
"Thank you for inviting me — I won't be able to make it this time."
A disagreement is starting to feel too heated. What's a healthy next step?
Take a break, breathe, or agree to talk about it later.
Someone doesn't accept your apology right away. What's the best thing to do?
Give them time and space, and respect how they feel.
Why can it help to name a feeling out loud?
It helps others understand you, and it can lower tension.