Telling someone you’re worried about them is rocky ground.
You want to express your concern, but you don’t want to be alienating.
How do you find the balance?
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All of these things will indicate that you’re present and that you care.
All of these things will indicate that you’re present and that you care," she notes.
That can help you cozy in to new habits.
Saying, “I’ve been worried about you.
Do you want to talk more about how you’ve been doing?”
expresses concern and honors the person’s agency," McCullough tells us.
She says the focus should be that you “demonstrate curiosity, but don’t demand answers.”
you’re gonna wanna keep your own feelings in checkthis isn’t about you.
Why haven’t you called me back?
Is everything okay?"
Instead, she says to “ask questions, and let them know that you’re listening.”
Your availability for someone else’s feelings should be made apparent in clear and concise language.
“Assumptions and accusations breeddefensiveness, and therefore do not facilitate open and connected conversation,” notes McCullough.
Give yourself grace for imperfections, but never forget that this is about another person, not about you.
It might be neutral, where you aren’t really sure if you accomplished much or not.
No matter how it goes, you want to be clear that you’ll remain available.
double-check to take care of yourself after your talk, too.
We all have the most to offer when our cups are full.
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