Communication
The Complaining Gap
People have different thresholds for complaining, and if yours is very high, you must be careful not to assume that other people are the same way, particularly people that you care deeply about.
May 5, 2021
Category: Communication
Communication
I Despise Small Talk, But I Understand Why It Exists.
While part of me lashes out and says, “Well, why can’t we talk more about things that matter?” kindly, authentically, without ego — I also recognize that this level of vulnerability could be exhausting and terrifying for a lot of people.
April 29, 2021
Communication
“You Can’t Say Anything These Days”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen variations on this same theme: Mean comment. Backlash. “You can’t say anything these days.”
April 15, 2021
Communication
What’s Wrong With Saying Someone Else Took It the Wrong Way
It’s something folks who are trying to defend hurtful “jokes” throw out as a quick defense. “You took that the wrong way. Don’t be so sensitive. Can’t you take a joke?”
April 6, 2021
Communication
It Never Feels Real Until I Tell Someone Else
Every time something exciting happens, I have a familiar urge, one that’s plagued me my entire life. I immediately want to tell someone else.
March 22, 2021
Communication
Do You Owe Everyone Open, Honest Communication?
“I do know people who think that you owe everyone open, honest communication no matter who they are.”
“See,” my friend says, “to me, that seems like an awful lot of work.”
March 17, 2021
Communication
If You’re Not Upset When Something Goes Wrong, People Think You’re Not Taking It Seriously
It’s hard to solve complex problems if you’re upset. But people think you’re not taking something seriously if you’re not upset. Mindfulness made me seem shady in times of conflict.
March 16, 2021
Communication
March 8, 2021
Communication
“It’s Fine. I Like Talking to You. What You’re Saying Makes Sense.”
“I’m sorry for wasting your time,” she says, without saying it. “I know that I’m not worth listening to, so I’m going to say this as quickly as possible. Because it’s eating me up inside. But don’t hate me. Please, I can’t bear it if you hate me.”
February 11, 2021
Communication
When It’s None of Your Business, But Your Brain Won’t Stop Asking
At this point, we’ve spent a good hour or two chatting about it. There’s a big interpersonal conflict between two friends of ours. And we’re
January 30, 2021
