Now what?/ One Day at a Time

[ciluzen]

You can do this again. I know it. Cheerful, calm, upbeat, and validating in each convo.

Just remember, there are no buts in validation.
Validation is agreement with his right to his
feelings, while not necessarily agreeing with the feelings.
It is letting him know you hear and understand what he's saying, without necessarily agreeing with what he's saying. Asking to clarify an unclear position is also validating, as it shows you are listening and seek understanding.

You're not out to win the interaction, just make him feel heard and understood. Smile and make eye contact, even if you feel like you're forcing it. Make him look! R talk? Let him do the initiating and talking. Just validate.

And don't worry about making mistakes or putting your foot in your mouth. We all do it...try, try, again.