Straight Talk

the conversations we hold with family and friends, colleagues and life partners do much to predict our success at work and the happiness and satisfaction we experience in our personal lives. some of our conversations help build stronger and deeper relationships, but others damage and destroy them. when we hold differing opinions and feel strongly about the issues, when we argue about rights and wrongs, and when the stakes are high; the skill with which we hold these conversations determines whether we come out stronger and closer or whether people get hurt and relationships suffer. •talking to your mother-in-law about her interference in your marriage •speaking up to a toxic boss who is verbally abusive to you •saying no to a friend who takes advantage of you •confronting someone about their negative and depressing attitude