Navigating Difficult Conversations During Holiday Gatherings

The holidays are here, promising an abundance of joy, merriment, and – most importantly – time with family - Yet, sometimes, these get-togethers can take a tense turn when a hard conversation is at the forefront.

Today I wanted to share some helpful strategies for navigating difficult discussions. Read on for our top tips!

• Preparation is Key: Consider the context of the conversation. What's the topic at hand? What are the potential areas of disagreement? Preparations can help you be thoughtful about your approach, steering away from sensitive triggers that may cause unnecessary friction.
• Practice Active Listening: It's crucial to listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond. When the other person is speaking, let them finish their thoughts without interruption. This not only shows respect but also encourages open dialogue, making it easier for you to voice your own thoughts when it's your turn.
• Be Diplomatic with Your Words: Emphasize on 'I' statements instead of 'you' statements. For example, say "I felt hurt when..." instead of "You hurt me when..." This small linguistic shift can prevent the other party from becoming defensive, keeping the conversation productive.
• It’s OK to Take a Break: If the conversation gets too heated, take a break. Stepping away will give both parties time to calm down, breathe, and think through their reactions. You can always come back to the discussion when emotions are less raw.
• Use Humor, Lightly: Humor can be a powerful tool for reducing tension, but exercise caution. Make sure your humor doesn't come across as sarcasm or belittlement, which may inadvertently escalate the situation.
• Agree to Disagree: At the end of the day, it's crucial to remember that it's okay to agree to disagree. Sometimes, it's not about winning the argument but about showing love and respect for each other despite the differences. 
• Excuse Yourself When Necessary It is OK to dismiss yourself from conversations that feel all too much or that you weren't prepared to handle. Excuse yourself from the situation politely and refocus your awareness on something or someone else that offers you the kind of surrounding you'd like to be a part of you. You have more control than you might think in these situations- own it!

Remember, navigating difficult conversations is a skill buildup. The more you take them on, the easier they'll become. You've got this!