BRIDGES AND BARRIERS

Bridges

Listening well and letting the speaker know you are listening

Looking at the other person's face and eyes

Picking a good time to talk

Laughing at yourself or the situation

Trying to understand how the other person feels

Saying how you really feel

Using "I" messages - "I feel angry or sad"

Offering possible solutions

Giving a hug or affectionate touch

Barriers

Not listening

Yelling or talking loudly

Not saying how you really feel (sulking/pouting)

Criticizing or name calling

Making the other person feel guilty

Negative nonverbal messages (frowning, scowling)

Interrupting