“Do you want to vent or do you want advice?” Just learning now, after 40 years on earth, that this might be the most important question to ask whenever a friend or loved one is upset.
“Do you want to vent or do you want advice?” Just learning now, after 40 years on earth, that this might be the most important question to ask whenever a friend or loved one is upset.
Want to help someone when they’re anxious? Ask them if they want empathy or they want a solution. Don't offer advice for how to solve a problem to someone who in that moment just wants a pat on the back.
Shane Parrish • Understanding Others' Emotions | Lisa Feldman Barrett
If you want to understand who someone is, ask: What would make you feel better?
Jessica Hagy • Ten Infrequently Asked Questions
Some children can tell you why they’re frightened, angry, or unhappy. For many, however, the question “Why?” only adds to their problem. In addition to their original distress, they must now analyze the cause and come up with a reasonable explanation. Very often children don’t know why they feel as they do. At other times they’re reluctant to tell ... See more
Adele Faber • How to Talk so Kids Will Listen...And Listen So Kids Will Talk
Asking questions will only get you so far. Even more important is listening to the answers. And even more important than that? Listening to understand, not just listening to respond or reply.
Brian Miller • Three New People: Make the Most of Your Daily Interactions and Stop Missing Amazing Opportunities
How do you know? It’s a question we need to ask more often, both of ourselves and of others. The power lies in its frankness. It’s nonjudgmental—a straightforward expression of doubt and curiosity that doesn’t put people on the defensive.
Adam Grant • Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
