Saturday, November 14 · 11am – 1pm ET

What if you could find ways to interrupt old patterns of friction or even conflict, and instead find a way to understand and be understood, creating peace and connection instead?

I remember hearing one member of a couple say to the other "I feel that you are an idiot!" after being requested to use "I" statements and express feelings. Of course, that is a fairly extreme example of following the letter of the instructions but not the spirit.

However, when we are genuine with other people while staying with an empathetic attitude, it encourages authenticity in dialogue, and people start to truly understand and appreciate each other's feelings and needs.

Why this re-thinking of the spoken message is helpful is part of our topic of effective communication, dispute resolution, and improving and saving of relationships. The goal in good communication is that all parties in the process can feel seen and heard, and come out with a stronger, positive connection to others.