Choose the scope of a sensitive conversation · S7.11

Agree on a stop signal before a sensitive topic

A conversation may involve material either person wants control over.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Ask whether both people want to discuss the topic and at what level of detail.
2. Agree on a word, gesture, or message that means pause or stop.
3. Honor the signal immediately and decide separately whether to return; no time or distress-score threshold is required.

An example

Either of us can say 'pause,' and we will stop the topic without asking for an explanation first.

Reflect

Was the signal clear and usable?

Next time

Revise the agreement if it did not preserve choice.