ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Difficult conversations are almost impossible to avoid during separation and divorce. Money, the house, arrangements for the children, boundaries, holidays. Even conversations that should be fairly straightforward can quickly turn into an argument.
In this episode of Let's Talk Divorce, I explore how to approach difficult conversations in a way that gives them the best chance of staying productive. From preparing before you start and keeping the conversation focused, to dealing with personal digs, over-explaining and knowing when it's time to stop engaging.
I also look at an important shift that can make these conversations much easier: you don't need your ex to agree with you in order to communicate clearly or put a boundary in place.
In this episode:
How to prepare for a difficult conversation before you have it
Why deciding what you actually need to achieve can stop conversations going off track
Choosing the right time, and the right way, to discuss difficult subjects
Why trying to make your ex understand your point of view can sometimes make things worse
How to avoid being pulled into old arguments and personal accusations
Why you don't need to respond to every comment, criticism or accusation
How to stop over-explaining and defending your decisions
What boundaries around communication actually look like
How to recognise when a conversation is no longer productive
Dealing with angry, lengthy or provocative messages from your ex
What to do when the other person simply won't engage
How to keep conversations about your children focused on what they need
Why not participating in unnecessary conflict isn't the same as avoiding conflict
Whether you're preparing to separate, going through a divorce or trying to co-parent with an ex who can be difficult to communicate with, this episode will give you practical ways to approach difficult conversations, reduce unnecessary conflict and feel more in control of how you respond.
For more support and free guides, check out my website: www.rightstepcoaching.co.uk
Keywords: difficult conversations during divorce, communicating with an ex, divorce communication, high conflict divorce, boundaries with an ex, co-parenting communication, difficult ex, divorce arguments, reducing conflict in divorce, communication after separation, divorce coach, divorce support, separation support, family mediation, co-parenting boundaries, divorce podcast, England and Wales.
