Rehearse the conversation you've been avoiding

Pick a scenario, pick who you'll be talking to, and say it out loud. They won't make it easy. Afterwards you get a report on how it went, with quotes from what you actually said.

Parent or parent-in-law

Asking your mother to stop visiting unannounced
Your mother has a key to your home and drops by without warning several times a week. She tidies, rearranges things, and comments on how you live. You love her, but it has to stop.

2 personas

Telling your father you will not take over the family business
Your father has always assumed you will run the shop he built. You have accepted a job in another city and need to tell him the decision is made.

2 personas

Sibling

Asking your brother to repay the loan
Eighteen months ago you lent your brother a significant sum for a "short-term" gap. He has never mentioned it since, though he has taken holidays and bought a new car.

2 personas

Sharing care for your ageing father with your sister
Your father needs more help at home. You live closest and have been doing almost everything for a year. Your sister helps when asked, but only when asked.

2 personas

Spouse or partner

Telling your partner their work is crowding out the relationship
Your partner works late most nights and answers messages through dinner. You feel like a roommate. You have hinted before; this time you want to say it plainly.

2 personas

Raising your partner's spending
Your partner has been making large purchases from the joint account without discussing them, and you are behind on savings you both agreed to.

2 personas

Adult child

Telling your adult son he needs to move out
Your 26-year-old son moved back home "for a few months" two years ago. He works part-time, contributes little, and has stopped looking for his own place.

2 personas

Addressing your daughter's comments about your new relationship
Since your divorce you have started seeing someone. Your adult daughter makes cutting remarks about it at every family gathering.

2 personas

Your scenarios

Write your own

Can't find your conversation? Write your own scenario and describe the person you need to talk to.