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Difficult Conversations

Quick reference guide

Conversation starters

Read time: 2 minutes

Samantha Saltz, MD

Double Board-Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist

Initiating a difficult conversation can be a daunting task that often leads to anxiety and uncertainty. Whether it’s addressing a sensitive topic, delivering bad news, or confronting a challenging issue, the way these conversations begin can significantly impact their outcome. To help navigate these tricky waters, we have crafted a list of conversation starters. Each is designed to open the door to meaningful dialogue, fostering an environment of understanding and respect. These starters aim to break down the initial barriers, paving the way for a productive and honest exchange.

"I've been feeling a bit uncertain about how to bring this up, but I think it's important we talk about [topic]. I really value your thoughts and feelings on this."

This acknowledges your own vulnerability and shows respect for your partner's perspective.

"There's been something that's been on my mind lately. I'm unsure how to address it, but I feel it's important for us to discuss it. Can we talk about [topic]?"

Expressing uncertainty shows humility and opens up a space for mutual exploration.

"I've been think about [topic] and it's been affecting me in [specific ways]. I'd really appreciate your insight and how you might be feeling about it too."

Sharing your personal experience and inviting your partner to share theirs fosters a two-way conversation.

"I love how I can come to you to talk about anything. There's something that's been on my mind and I'd like to share it with you. What do you think about [topic]?"

Affirming the strength of your relationship sets a positive tone for the conversation.

"I read something recently that made me think about [topic] differently. I'm curious to know your thoughts on it."

Introducing a topic through an external source can make the conversation feel less personal and more exploratory.

"I feel we both might have different perspectives on [topic]. I would love to understand your point of view. Can we discuss this?"

Acknowledging and welcoming differing viewpoints can prevent the conversation from becoming confrontational.

"[Topic] has been on my mind lately, and I wanted to know if we could talk about it. I want to make sure we're on the same page."

Emphasizing the mutual benefit of the conversation highlights the importance of teamwork in the relationship.

"There's something that's been weighing on me, and I feel it's important to be open about it. When you have a moment, can we discuss [topic]?"

Letting your partner know something is affecting you personally invites empathy and support.

"I've noticed we tend to avoid discussing [topic], and I feel it's important for our relationship to address it. How do you feel about discussing it?"

Pointing out avoidance in a non-judgmental way can encourage your partner to engage in the conversation.

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Difficult Conversations

Quick reference guide

Samantha Saltz, MD

"I've been feeling a bit uncertain about how to bring this up, but I think it's important we talk about [topic]. I really value your thoughts and feelings on this."

"There's been something that's been on my mind lately. I'm unsure how to address it, but I feel it's important for us to discuss it. Can we talk about [topic]?"

"I've been think about [topic] and it's been affecting me in [specific ways]. I'd really appreciate your insight and how you might be feeling about it too."

"I love how I can come to you to talk about anything. There's something that's been on my mind and I'd like to share it with you. What do you think about [topic]?"

"I read something recently that made me think about [topic] differently. I'm curious to know your thoughts on it."

"I feel we both might have different perspectives on [topic]. I would love to understand your point of view. Can we discuss this?"

"[Topic] has been on my mind lately, and I wanted to know if we could talk about it. I want to make sure we're on the same page."

"There's something that's been weighing on me, and I feel it's important to be open about it. When you have a moment, can we discuss [topic]?"

"I've noticed we tend to avoid discussing [topic], and I feel it's important for our relationship to address it. How do you feel about discussing it?"

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Difficult Conversations

Quick reference guide

Samantha Saltz, MD

"I've been feeling a bit uncertain about how to bring this up, but I think it's important we talk about [topic]. I really value your thoughts and feelings on this."

"There's been something that's been on my mind lately. I'm unsure how to address it, but I feel it's important for us to discuss it. Can we talk about [topic]?"

"I've been think about [topic] and it's been affecting me in [specific ways]. I'd really appreciate your insight and how you might be feeling about it too."

"I love how I can come to you to talk about anything. There's something that's been on my mind and I'd like to share it with you. What do you think about [topic]?"

"I read something recently that made me think about [topic] differently. I'm curious to know your thoughts on it."

"I feel we both might have different perspectives on [topic]. I would love to understand your point of view. Can we discuss this?"

"[Topic] has been on my mind lately, and I wanted to know if we could talk about it. I want to make sure we're on the same page."

"There's something that's been weighing on me, and I feel it's important to be open about it. When you have a moment, can we discuss [topic]?"

"I've noticed we tend to avoid discussing [topic], and I feel it's important for our relationship to address it. How do you feel about discussing it?"

Related

Insights

Workshops

& Live Classes

Relationship Recovery

Samantha Saltz, MD

On-demand course

Insights

My kid is biting

Samantha Saltz, MD

How to tell if your child is lying

Samantha Saltz, MD

My kid is is getting D’s and F’s in school

Samantha Saltz, MD

Adult Sleep Hygiene

Samantha Saltz, MD

Getting toddler to sleep in own bed

Samantha Saltz, MD

Find your Supermom power

Join Our

Exclusive

Waiting List

& Unlock Early Access

FAQ

Workshops & Classes

Samesters Social Network

Insights & Knowledge Base

Orders

Where moms find support.

It takes a village to raise a child.