Awkward Conversations

The holidays usually mean spending time with family.  Sometimes, however, we don’t always get along with everyone in our family.  Dr. Karin Ryan, a psychologist with Nystrom and Associates, is here to help us through those uncomfortable moments and awkward conversations. 

1. Plan ahead
2. Take the power of initiating certain conversations or activities
3. For confrontational, critical, or intense questions: you can give avoidant political answers or assertive responses and then change the topic
4. Listen to your body and manage your stress
5. Give yourself permission to take breaks, set clear boundaries, and walk away