Guides / Hard Conversation Planner

Hard Conversation Planner

Plan a hard conversation before you have it. Fill this in, then practice your opening out loud.

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Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

1. The topic

The thing we never talk about is:

2. My goal

To be heard
To understand their side
To repair our relationship
To set a boundary
To decide something together

A "good enough" outcome would be:

3. My opener

What happened:

How I felt:

What I need:

What I am asking:

4. My break plan

My flood signs:

The words I will use to ask for a break:

5. Timing

We are both rested and not rushed
We are somewhere private
No one has been drinking
I have grounded myself first

6. Afterward

My follow up date:

If you feel unsafe with this person, do not have this conversation alone. Call 911 in an emergency, or 1-800-799-7233 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.