Cheat Sheet on Talking It Out
How do you begin to talk to your friend about something they have done that has bothered you?
Don’t make it into a fight or an argument.
This will only make matters worse.
Much worse.
Focus only on what bothered you. Don't bring other issues into it.
This is NOT about what a bad friend they are.
Pick a good time and place to talk. This is REALLY important. You don't want to talk about this in the middle of a soccer game or in the cafeteria in front of the whole school.
Before you talk, think about what you want to have happen by the end of the conversation to make things right.
Remember to listen carefully to what your friend is saying. This is hard for them too.
Maybe you need to apologize????
Here are some good starters to get the conversation rolling:
“Can we talk?”
"Can I talk with you for a minute? Is this a good time?"
“Remember the other day? Well, something about it has been bothering me…”
"Something happened the other day that really hurt my feelings. I wish it didn't happen, but it did....
If you feel that things are NOT going well, gracefully end the conversation. Maybe it is too soon and you and your friend just need a a little time to think it over.