My C and I have started assertiveness training. We are starting with conversation tactics. He breaks it down into different types of statements to make when having a conversation. One of the most basic techniques is to respond to a person's statement by reiterating what they said in a concise way (i.e. "So you feel that ..."). Other techniques are to state your POV without any direct reference to the other person's POV. It is just the way you feel about the situation, not specifically a reaction to the other person's POV. Using these techniques makes the other person feel as if you are listening to them, and that you are not attacking their POV. Granted, the other person may get defensive anyway, but then it is truly their problem.
I'm sure this is pretty basic stuff for some of you, but it is new to me and I am trying to practice it as much as possible. There are more levels and tactics, but I'm trying to master those two first. It seems to work pretty well.
Regards Chrome
"Recollect me darlin, raise me to your lips, two undernourished egos, four rotating hips"
