This ONE tip has saved me from SO many awkward situations. Many times conflict comes from miscommunication or misunderstanding. By making an attempt to understand the other person’s point before rushing to make your point or defend yourself, you can prevent an awkward situation from escalating further. The YES AND / YES BUT strategy is great for this. It’s about validating the other person’s point (‘YES, I understand…’) and then adding your perspective (‘AND I also feel…’) or gently correcting a misunderstanding (‘BUT have you considered…’). Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you listen. Active listening is key to making this strategy work. However, if it seems like a family member is being malicious for no reason or refusing to see your point, it’s often best to step away. It’s crucial to recognize when engagement is useless and could lead to further conflict. In these cases, prioritize your mental health and step back. #happyholidays #communicationskills #bette...