How to have a difficult conversation in three easy steps.

Use the X-Y-Z technique.

X- “I felt X

Y- When you did Y

Z- I would prefer it if you could do Z”

e.g.

X - “I felt upset and hurt

Y - When you spoke to me in an angry tone

Z - I would prefer it if you could speak respectfully and calmly in future”

Notice that it helps to speak from the “I” perspective. It can often make the other person feel attacked if you start the complaint with,”you,”