Adult Linda continued the same pattern with her mother - and repeated it with her husband Carlos. Over and over, resentment and frustration with him built up inside, but she said nothing. She wanted to avoid a fight and figured he wouldn't listen, anyway. Just like her mom.
But when the pressure in that turtle shell periodically became too much, she suddenly turned into a snapping turtle, leaving herself and her husband
(and their cringing kids) shocked by the explosive argument that ensued.
It wasn't good.
But Linda's learning now how it can be different. She understands what’s going on in her brain and body when she wants to say something - but gets that icky anxious feeling inside that stops her. She’s pausing and reflecting on what she really wants to say - and wants to change. And she’s phrasing it in a prescribed way - the Safe Conversations® way - that Carlos can actually hear.
By using Safe Conversations techniques, Linda has a real chance of getting what she wants - and more peace in the house - without any snapping.
