I’m glad you decided to let it go. How many times do you say, “What were we fighting about anyway? I don’t remember. I just remember you didn’t support me.” If you’re lucky, you’ll get the opportunity to carry out step 7. Here again, it’s about staying out of your own way. Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you want. Tell them how it would make you feel. Shut…
Step 6 is all about keeping the conversation going in the right direction. So many times, we get caught up in little tangents that serve no purpose other than to aggravate each other. You’re going to have to put on your big boy/girl pants for this one. Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you want. Tell them how it would make you feel. Shut up. Listen. Let it go….
I’m proud of you. You were able to keep your mouth shut. Now we’re ready for step number five. Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you want. Tell them how it would make you feel. Shut up. Listen. Presented with such a simple request (you followed the formula, right?), the requested response is obvious. Will they or will they not consider your request? When they respond, use your active…
Phew, that feelings sharing stuff is over! Now comes probably the hardest part. Especially after you just opened up your heart and shared real emotion! Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you want. Tell them how it would make you feel. Shut up. Don’t add anything else. Just leave it alone. The formula is this: “I want ______ and it would make me feel ________.” Short. Sweet. Simple. Some…
You’ve already learned two great communication tips. Are you ready for the third one? WARNING: this might make you uncomfortable. Sorry. I told you already that good, efficient communication is hard work. And sometimes it involves taking a little risk and being vulnerable for a minute. Alright, here’s step three. Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you want. Tell them how it would make you feel. Imagine for a…
In a relationship, there are a lot of times that you’re just plain not going to agree. That’s ok. What’s important is that you don’t let the disagreement put a wedge between the two of you. Good, efficient communication is hard work. Lucky for you, I’ve got some steps to help you through the process. We’re ready for the second one today. Identify the actual issue. Ask for what you…
How to deal with it when there is no way you’re changing your mind and neither are they. We’ve all been there. You think the toilet paper should roll over the top. Your partner couldn’t really care less. So, they don’t really pay attention to how they load the new roll. You’ve told them how it’s more user-friendly when you do it the right way. You’ve outlined your frustration…
When you experience a life-altering event it’s easy to believe you will never again feel happiness, freedom, love or joy. In fact, the sadness, grief and confusion that life’s challenges bring can make the whole world seem dangerous and everyone in it a source of threat, disappointment and hurt. There’s no doubt about it: The challenging events in your life test who you are and force you to choose how…
Active listening skills are so important to healthy relationships – and that goes for personal and workplace environments. Active listening skills can do so much to improve communication and it’s really easy once you get the hang of it. The whole point of active listening is to gain a greater understanding of what the speaker is trying to communicate before responding. Most importantly, it saves precious time, energy and emotion…
Thanks for stopping by! I am Jupiter, FL Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Jemma Coleman. This is my first blog entry on my brand new website and I’m so excited to announce that I’ve started my private practice right here in breezy Jupiter, Florida! I am located at Synergy Health & Wellness right across Jupiter Lakes Blvd from Jupiter Medical Center. I will be accepting new clients beginning May 2nd, 2011….