What Do You Want to Talk About?

Healthy boundaries are so important in relationships, but have you ever considered how important healthy boundaries are in our conversations?
 
Sometimes, a conversation can lead us down a path we do not want to go. This happens a lot for caregivers. A well-meaning person may continue to ask questions about how things are going, but the caregiver just wants to talk about something – anything – else. Caregivers also can easily get caught up in their daily responsibilities and forget that it’s a big world out there. Every conversation does not need to revolve around their loved one.
 
So, it’s important to know how and when to change the topic, and that’s the subject of this week’s discussion. After many years of practice, I’ve learned that the direct approach works best for me. Recently, I had to tell someone, “I can't talk to you about this right now … it's too hard.” The friend was receptive and understanding, but possibly a little hurt, too. I just needed to be honest and direct, and it worked.
 
For some other ideas on ways to change the subject, check out this article.
 
Another way to redirect a conversation is to perfect your “elevator speech.” It’s a shortened version of your story that you can tell in about 30 seconds, without emotion or drama, that should satisfy people whether they’re digging for details or just checking in to see how you are. Being prepared with your elevator speech is a great way to respond quickly and then change the topic to something else.

And while we’re on the subject of changing topics … today, I’m in New York City getting ready for Saturday when I’ll be sharing OUR story with other nonprofit founders and influencers at the official 20th Anniversary celebration of the Pajama Program. I’ll not only be sharing my story of caring for my brother living with mental illness, I will also be sharing similar stories of the many caregivers we have supported in their journeys as well.
 
It will be an honor to represent all of YOU.