Difficult Conversation Preparation

Help me prepare for a difficult conversation.

Who I'm talking to:

• Relationship: [partner/parent/friend/roommate/colleague]
• Their personality: [conflict-averse/defensive/rational/emotional]
• Our dynamic: [equal/they have power over me/I have power over them]

What I need to discuss:

• The issue: [specific situation or pattern - be factual, not judgmental]
• Why now: [what prompted this conversation]
• What I want to change: [desired outcome - be specific]

My concerns:

• How they might react: [anger/hurt/defensiveness/dismissal]
• What could go wrong: [relationship damage, escalation]
• My emotional triggers: [what might make me lose composure]

My goals:

• Primary: [resolve issue/be heard/set boundary/repair relationship]
• What success looks like: [concrete outcome]

What I need:

1. Conversation opener (how to start without triggering defensiveness)
2. Key points to cover (what to say, in what order)
3. Phrasing suggestions (use 'I' statements, avoid blame)
4. How to handle common reactions (if they get angry, cry, shut down)
5. Boundaries to set (what's acceptable, what's not)
6. Exit strategy (if conversation becomes unproductive)
7. Follow-up plan (what happens after)

Tone I'm aiming for:

• [Calm/firm/compassionate/matter-of-fact - pick primary]

Success criteria: I feel prepared to have this conversation with confidence and clarity, regardless of their reaction.