Glow, don’t shine.

Art from Kumari Loves a Monster by Rashmi Devadasan. Illustrated by Shyam. 

“The young maidens in these pages all have beauty, brains and talent / They while away the night and day / With monsters fierce and gallant.

 A romantic picture book of young girls who have fallen in love with monsters.”

1. "I want to know when I hurt your feelings."

• This shows they are willing to understand and acknowledge the impact of their actions.

1. "I don't want you to feel alone in this."

• This shows empathy and indicates that the person is supportive and does not want the person to deal with issues alone.

1. "I've been struggling with ___”

• This demonstrates vulnerability and trust, as the person is open about their struggles.

1. "How have you been feeling about ___? I know it's been on your mind a lot."

• This shows concern for the other person's issues or worries, showing that they are listening and care about what's important to the other person.

1. "I feel __ when you __; are you open to trying __ next time?"

• This is an example of constructive communication.

1. "What do you need from me when this happens with your family?"

• This shows awareness and sensitivity to the persons family dynamics and a willingness to provide support.

1. "I appreciate when you ___.”

• Expressing appreciation is vital for positive reinforcement and acknowledging the efforts and qualities of the other person.

1. "I didn't handle that well."

• This is a sign of self-awareness and accountability, recognizing one's own mistakes and being open to learning and growth.

1. "I'm sorry, I was wrong to say that. I'll try to be more mindful in the future."

• Shows you are able to apologize genuinely and a commitment to improving behavior.

1. "Tell me more about that; I'm really interested in hearing your perspective."

• Indicates a genuine interest in the other person's thoughts and feelings.

1. "I noticed you seemed a bit off today. Is everything okay?"

• It shows you are attentive to the other person's emotional state and a readiness to provide support.

1. "I'm here for you, no matter what you need."

• Offers unconditional support, creating a sense of security in the relationship.

1. "I love how passionate you are about your hobbies. It's inspiring to see."

• Expresses admiration for the other person's interests.

1. "Let's work on a solution together. What do you think would be fair?"

• Focusing on collaboration rather than conflict.

1. "I trust your judgment on this."

• Trust and respect for the other person's decision-making abilities.

1. "Your happiness is important to me. Let's make sure you're taking time for yourself."

• Prioritizes the other person's happiness and emphasizes the importance of self care.

1. "It's okay to feel that way. Do you want to talk about it more?"

• Validates the other person's feelings.

1. "I appreciate how you handled that situation. You're really good at ___."

• Praises specific strengths or skills, boosting the other person's self-esteem.

1. "I know we disagree, but I respect your point of view."

• Acknowledges differences in opinion while still maintaining respect and understanding.