What Do You Say Communique'
 Christmas 2010 Edition - "Family Dearest" 
                                                                               Monthly eNewsletter

Holiday Greetings!

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Family Dearest:  How to Handle Nasty Comments from Well-meaning Family and Friends. 

That's not a commentary on my family.  It's the title/subtitle of Chapter 6 of my book "If You Can't Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?

With the holiday season upon us and family gatherings forthcoming, I thought this would be a good time to arm yourselves with some key strategies from my book to respond to any well-intentioned, but potentially hurtful remarks...without getting ugly.

In fact, I'm gearing up as we speak to host my own out-of-town family members here in San Diego area.   I'm going to anticipate a positive and fun time with no nasty comments! :)

In this edition of the Communique', you'll also find:
  • A call for contributions:  "What's your 2011 New Years Resolution going to be?"  These will be highlighted in January Communique'.
  • Link to Sarita's December 9th webinar sponsored by the So Cal Network of American Counil on Education's Office of Women in Higher Education.
     
  • Christmas Carols Quiz.
  • Where Sarita will be speaking in early 2011...let's connect and plan a program for your staff while I'm in your area!

I look forward to partnering with you in the new year!

 
 
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Professional Speaker & Author
"Helping People Work Together...Better!"



 

 Family Dearest

How to handle nasty comments from well-meaning family and friends

  

The most empowering assumption that you can make when you're on the receiving end of a nasty comment is that it's NOT ABOUT YOU.  The other person's comments may be prompted by any number of emotions or intentions including:

  • Caring
  • Envy
  • Jealousy
  • Resentment
  • Ego
  • Control
  • Concern/Worry
  • Disappointment
    • 
REMEMBER...while you may feel bad being on the receiving end of these emotions, you might need to remind yourself that you are not responsible for others' emotions.  Family and friends sometimes attempt to make us the recipients of their angst, especially if their discontent is due to our choosing a different course of action than they would have chosen for us.


WHAT DO YOU SAY?
When someone makes a critical comment like "I knew you couldn't do it,"  here are some possible comebacks:

"Personally, I plan to think positively"
"It ain't over til it's over."
"It's too bad I didn't have your vote of confidence."
"Ye of little faith!"
"Any chance I can get your support?" 

 

 

 

 


Click here to view past editions of the
 What Do You Say Communique' in the Archives.


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WEBINAR
Click on Image

View Sarita's December 9th webinar sponsored by the So Cal Network of ACE's Office of Women in Higher Education

TOPIC: 
"If You Can't Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?: A Constructive Confrontation Presentation"

New Years Resolutions Image
What's YOUR New Year's Resolution for 2011? 

Please email your resolution by first week of January to be included in New Years Communique'.
 
Where can you see Sarita speak in early 2011?
 
  Los Angeles, CA    
New Haven, CT
Orlando, FL
San Diego, CA
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Marcos, CA
Stephens Point, WI

Let's connect while I'm in your city!  Would also love to schedule a workshop for your staff!

   
 
Christmas Carol
Quiz
Determine which popular Christmas Carol is described in each sentence below.
(ex - "O Coniferous Nativity" = "O Christmas Tree") 
  1. Approach everyone who is steadfast.
  2. Ecstasy toward the orb.
  3. Listen! The Foretelling spirits harmonize.
  4. Quiescent Nocturnal period.
  5. The primary carol.
  6. Embellish the corridors.
  7. I'm fantasizing concerning a blanched yuletide.
  8. The thing manifests itself at the onset of a transparent day.
  9. The slight percussionist lad.
  10. Father Christmas approaches the metropolis.

 
Photo - Christmas Presents
 
 Answer Key on Sarita's Website Resource Page