2. Be a Witness
If you’re not sure how she’s feeling, rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind as a response, paraphrase what you think she said: “This is what I’m hearing…do I have that right?”
This helps in two ways.
First, it’s a method you can use to stall without being silent, giving you time to craft a thoughtful response.
More important, “it helps you show that you understand, and it slows things down and avoids unmanaged conflict or fighting,” Shippey says.
It may seem so simple, but it can be quite powerful, he adds.
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