5 Tips for Having Awkward Conversations with Family Members

People hate awkward situations. In fact, awkward silences are so objectionable to many people that they can influence how we speak and act. Yet, as people start a family and mature as adults, they often find themselves in potentially difficult situations. Speaking with a partner, child, sibling, or parent about a touchy subject isn’t easy –– but it just might be critical all the same. With that in mind, today we’re going to share five tips for getting through an awkward conversation with a family member. Check them out here: 

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Sometimes your family members may upset you with the decisions they make. However, when confronting someone about a mistake they’ve made, it’s imperative to stay calm and measured throughout. Often, people feel worse about their own wrongdoing than we initially realize. What’s more, taking an accusatory tone with someone is rarely a path toward a productive solution. In many instances, taking a step back and letting a family member vent can lead to positive outcomes. 

Find the Right Time/Place

Obviously, you should feel compelled to step in and speak with a family member if you’re worried about their immediate health and safety. Nevertheless, having an awkward conversation with a family member can be made all the more frustrating if you attempt to do so in a public environment. Instead, do your best to find a place that allows for plenty of privacy and affords both of you enough time to hash out the issue at hand. 

Stick to the Script

Any time you bring up a sensitive subject, it’s reasonable to expect people to try and deflect the conversation. Don’t get caught up in hypotheticals, ancient history, or classic “whataboutisms.” These diversions will only serve to distract and keep you from having a productive dialogue.  

Be Solutions-Oriented

Awkward conversations stem from problems as diverse as bad behavior, money mismanagement, and even the aging process. Rather than focusing entirely on the problem, though, look for positives and accentuate possible solutions. If, for instance, you want to educate a loved one about sexual health and wellness, point them to resources like local STD testing clinics where professionals can answer their questions and provide meaningful assistance. 

Follow Up

People don’t change overnight. Having a tough conversation with someone about a problem might open their eyes to the issue, but they still may struggle with to live healthy, happy lives immediately. That’s why it’s key to follow up on awkward conversations. Check in with people you love and ask them how they’re dealing with whatever it is that’s troubling them. The good news is, the more time you dedicate to a problem, the easier it will become to manage and eventually solve!