We all need to have hard conversations -- and not just with those close to us. Uncomfortable exchanges can happen with people like our landlords, bosses and doctors. Whether it's sharing symptoms with your doctor or communicating your strengths in a job interview, those conversations can impact your life. But often, we aren’t taught how to have them. Maybe you leave wishing you’d prepared more or been more vulnerable.
At Life Kit, we think about the language people need to navigate challenging situations. So we wanted to tackle some sticky conversations you might find yourself in and give you the language to feel confident:
What do all of these topics have in common? They include tricky conversations about big, emotional topics like money and health — from talking to a new partner about your sexual health to telling a co-worker you can’t pitch in on that team gift they’re organizing. All of these interviews include roleplays — so take note! You might need to recall how to tell your cousin that being their bridesmaid is too expensive.
Helpful language when you're not sure how to respond…
👰 If your cousin asks you to be their bridesmaid, but you can’t afford it… “I am so honored. I am in a kind of stressed financial position right now. And if I were going to be in your bridal party, I would want to do it right. If I wouldn’t necessarily have to buy a dress, I would be so honored and happy to join or play whatever role.” —Stacey Vanek Smith, NPR's global economics correspondent
💏 If you want to ask a new partner about their sexual health… “I always recommend starting with oneself to actually disclose one's own status, especially like when you were last tested. I do recommend saying what you were tested for and if your results were negative or positive. I try to tell people not to use the word ‘clean.’ And lastly then just end it with ‘how about you?’ So it becomes an invitation.” —Dr. Evalene Dacker
🥶 If you freeze up in a job interview… “I recommend people think of three things that you want [the interviewer] to remember about you. So if they ask you a question about something and maybe you fumble the answer, then you find a way to circle it back to one of those three points.” —Cynthia Pong, Founder and CEO of Embrace Change
🧑⚕️ If your doctor is dismissive of your symptoms… “That is a warning sign. You need to hit the pause button and take control again and say, ‘let's talk about my symptoms. Did you not hear me? This is really what is bothering me. It's affecting my way of life. This is limiting my life, I cannot go to work. It's nagging. I am dysfunctional. I need your help.’ Putting it into the context of how it's affecting your daily activities of living could help. And if you're still not being heard, finding another doctor is definitely important.” —Dr. Jennifer Mieres
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Hundreds of wildfires in Canada have sent smoke over cities like Ottawa to New York City and beyond. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulates, also known as PM2.5, by scientists. These lightweight and tiny particles travel far and wide and can go deep into your lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation, heart attacks, strokes, asthma and other breathing issues. If you can see the haze outside your window, the sky looks an unusual color or the air smells like campfire, it's best to stay indoors if possible.
Some of you noticed that in last week's newsletter, we celebrated 2023's halfway point... a little early. Our 2024 resolution is to get better at reading calendars. Thanks for keeping us honest! It's a good thing Life Kit's resolution planner is useful year-round. 🎉
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