Comfort or Solutions?
How clarifying conversation expectations could change your relationships.
Anyone who has been in a relationship with another human being can relate to this scenario. A person has a problem and they need to get it off their chest, they are seeking a comforting, supportive ear while they try to navigate something difficult. Instead of providing that comfort and support, the person they are talking to jumps immediately into problem-solving mode. The first person becomes frustrated that they are not being heard, and the second becomes frustrated because their solutions are not being well-received. The conversation becomes a conflict.
I saw this in a Facebook meme of all places. It’s cringeworthy to place this kind of credit there, but this is easily the best piece of relationship advice I have ever received.
Before you enter into a conversation with your partner, friend or loved one who is struggling with a problem, first ask this question:
