Difficult conversations are confronting. No one enjoys them. But they’re a part of life – within households, at work, in business and in our communities.

Sometimes a person won’t engage or remain steadfast in their position, which can make the problem worse and/or more difficult to resolve.

You might like to try telling them (in person or in writing) these 3 things:

1. How you feel – in detail, more than hurt/angry/upset etc
2. The behaviour that caused you to feel this way – it’s important to be specific. Don’t use ‘always’ or ‘never’
3. The impact this is having on you – now and into the future if not discussed/resolved.

You may receive a defensive response, or excuses, or blame. Be sure to respond indicating you’ve heard what they’ve said, and then repeat 123 above.

This can be a very useful tool to have someone acknowledge and be accountable for their behaviour, so you can have the conversation.

I’ll give some workplace, family and other specific examples over the coming days.