Discussing sex with friends to seek help? Here is how to create a safe space

Updated On: 25 November, 2023 05:53 PM IST | Editor

It is crucial to be a good listener to your friends when they choose to open up about a personal topic like sex and pleasure

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It is crucial to be a good listener to your friends when they choose to open up about a personal topic like sex and pleasure

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1. Be attentive:When your friend is sharing something important, put away distractions of all kinds. Make eye contact and show through your body language that you are fully present.

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2. Be patient:Allow your friend to express herself at her own pace. Don`t rush or interrupt. Sometimes, it takes time for someone to open up about their vulnerabilities.

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3. Validate their feelings:Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and important. Use empathetic statements like, ‘I can see how that would be really tough for you,’ or ‘It`s completely understandable that you feel this way.’

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4. Practice active listening:Practice active listening by nodding, offering verbal cues like ‘I see,’ ‘Go on,’ or ‘Tell me more,’ and using reflective responses to show you`re engaged in the conversation.

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5. Avoid judgements:Refrain from passing judgment or offering unsolicited advice, especially when your friend is sharing something sensitive. Instead, focus on understanding and empathising with their perspective.

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6. Respect their privacy:If your friend chooses not to share certain details or prefers to keep some aspects of their vulnerability private, respect their decision. Photos Courtesy: iStock

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Home / Lifestyle / Relationships / Photos / Discussing sex with friends to seek help? Here is how to create a safe space

Discussing sex with friends to seek help? Here is how to create a safe space

It is crucial to be a good listener to your friends when they choose to open up about a personal topic like sex and pleasure

1. Be attentive:When your friend is sharing something important, put away distractions of all kinds. Make eye contact and show through your body language that you are fully present.

2. Be patient:Allow your friend to express herself at her own pace. Don`t rush or interrupt. Sometimes, it takes time for someone to open up about their vulnerabilities.

3. Validate their feelings:Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and important. Use empathetic statements like, &lsquo;I can see how that would be really tough for you,&rsquo; or &lsquo;It`s completely understandable that you feel this way.&rsquo;

4. Practice active listening:Practice active listening by nodding, offering verbal cues like &lsquo;I see,&rsquo; &lsquo;Go on,&rsquo; or &lsquo;Tell me more,&rsquo; and using reflective responses to show you`re engaged in the conversation.

5. Avoid judgements:Refrain from passing judgment or offering unsolicited advice, especially when your friend is sharing something sensitive. Instead, focus on understanding and empathising with their perspective.

6. Respect their privacy:If your friend chooses not to share certain details or prefers to keep some aspects of their vulnerability private, respect their decision. Photos Courtesy: iStock

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Photo of Day

High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan

3. Validate their feelings:Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and important. Use empathetic statements like, ‘I can see how that would be really tough for you,’ or ‘It`s completely understandable that you feel this way.’

4. Practice active listening:Practice active listening by nodding, offering verbal cues like ‘I see,’ ‘Go on,’ or ‘Tell me more,’ and using reflective responses to show you`re engaged in the conversation.