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