How Do You Handle A Stoic Family Member?
It’s a real challenge to connect with some people. A “stoic” or stand-offish family member can be difficult to deal with, whether you’re just trying to keep the flow of conversation at a family reunion or trying to work out some arrangements regarding family life. Here are some ways to work at effective outreach. Encourage a quiet family member to open up by engaging in small talk that is genuine. Learn the value of silence. When you’re relating to a stoic or reserved person, it helps to be able to embrace moments of silence and not feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. Ask questions about what they are interested in. If someone you’re talking to is largely unresponsive, it helps to target their interests. Some people only get excited about a few topics, and they may come out of their shell when conversation moves to something they care about. Use monologues sparingly. If the person sitting next to you is not saying much, that’s not a ticket to go off on your own tangen
