Ever have someone share something really vulnerable with you?
Maybe they were falling in love.
Maybe they were working through their trauma.
Maybe they decided to go back to school, or write that book, or finally end that relationship.
Whatever it is, those moments can really catch you off guard, especially if being honest and authentic with others isn’t your first language.
So what do you say in moments like that?
Try:
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“Thank you for sharing that with me.”
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“I am here for you, whatever you decide.”
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“Is there anything I can do for you?”
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“You aren’t alone.”
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“Wow, that does sound X.”
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“I can really relate to that.”
Using these phrases helps to validate the other person, and it is also a practice in active listening, where you don’t offer up any advice or suggestions. Finally, it allows you to continue being a safe person for others, so that the practice of vulnerability is a constant inside your healthy relationships.
Try these, and let me know how it goes for you?
XO
