When faced with difficult conversations, we often find ourselves grappling with the challenge of saying 'no' without severing important personal or professional bonds. But, with understanding, empathy, and practice, it is possible to assert oneself while also nurturing the relationship.
The Unspoken Assumptions of Relationships
The most common way relationships can bring about dissatisfaction is that we have expectations that don't get met. We often have expectations of how we want our relationships to be, and when these expectations are not met, it can lead to suffering and dissatisfaction. For example, we might have expectations about how our colleagues should behave, contribute to the team, or what they should do in certain situations. We might also have expectations about their roles and responsibilities or how they should support and communicate with us. When our expectations are not met, it can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration.