How to respond to “You’re being dramatic”

When someone tells you that you’re being dramatic, it can be frustrating, invalidating, and even hurtful.…

What to say when someone asks “Why are you so selfish?”

Handling conversations about our perceived selfishness can be a delicate matter. When someone asks, Why are…

What to say when you need to set boundaries

The art of setting boundaries – a delicate matter that can make or break our relationships,…

What to say when they ask “Can I join you?” when you’re trying to be alone

The art of politely declining an invitation to join someone when all you want is some…

How to respond to emotional manipulation

Navigating relationships can be a delicate dance, especially when emotional manipulation is involved. Emotional manipulation can…

The power of saying no to emotional labor: “Can you listen to me vent?”

Emotional labor, a term coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild, refers to the emotional demands placed on…

When they make you feel obligated: “I need you to do this for me”

The art of saying no without feeling guilty. It’s a crucial skill to master, especially when…

When they try to manipulate: “If you really cared, you’d…”

Dealing with manipulative people can be draining, to say the least. They often use guilt trips,…

When they overstep boundaries: “Let me just use your phone for a sec”

Handling conversations that overstep boundaries can be a delicate matter, especially when it comes to personal…

How to respond to “You owe me one”

Dealing with guilt trips and manipulative phrases can be draining, especially when someone says You owe…