Kick The Elephant Out

We’ve all been in this situation. You’re with a friend or sibling (or colleague) and feel uncomfortable. You’re both aware of the tension, but no one wants to bring it up. So, you both ignore the discomfort in the hope that it will somehow disappear. It’s the elephant in the room, and it has the potential to negatively affect your relationship. 

Say a friend cancels on you at the last minute and you feel angry and hurt. You may tell her, “oh it’s ok” but the next time you’re together, you can’t get it out of your mind. If you don’t clear the air your unresolved feelings will come out in some other way. 

Rather than avoiding a difficult conversation and potentially hurting a great relationship, you owe it to yourself (and your friend/relative/coworker) to discuss it. Wait for the right time and be honest. Clearing the air will allow future interactions to be authentic and meaningful.

Technique of the week: When a situation arises that makes you upset or angry—find the right time and the right way to share your feelings with the other person. No matter what, don't let things fester. Face the elephant and kick it out of the room!