Types of Unsafe Communication
Having a safe space to express it all is imperative
Contrary to popular belief, not all forms of communication are appropriate for resolving conflicts, meeting needs and safely opening people up about what they’re experiencing — only safe communication is.
What is safe communication, anyway? In short, it’s having the space and the right company to openly talk about our stories — an environment of people who don’t shy away from sitting with our discomfort, as well as from listening and supporting us. Unless the space for open, safe communication is held by those around us, we’ll end up putting a lid on our emotions and sitting in the discomfort of not moving through them whilst going back into our protective shell.
Here are a few unsafe types of communication to try and avoid (although there are probably many more out there):
Downplaying
Downplaying sends the message that a person is exaggerating or that they’re being too dramatic, making a bigger deal out of a situation than necessary, and often sounds like “Oh dear, it’s not that bad.” However, the intensity with which people experience challenges in their life and the way they’ve been taught/shown how to handle them will often vary. For that reason, saying “it’s not that bad” will not help them…
