74
votes
How to tell a non-muslim friend that "Inter-faith Marriage not gonna work"?
I wanted to bring her out of this situation, so being not only a friend but as an inter-faith discussion as well, I suggested her to revise her decision to marry a Muslim as it's not going to work but ...
- 6,381
71
votes
Accepted
How to help a friend through a rough breakup when his actions are testing the limits of my patience?
I have been in your position but never in such an extreme case. You must understand that he is going through a tough emotional time and he isn't really thinking how it might affect your friendship. ...
- 5,135
56
votes
Accepted
How to tell someone believing in pseudoscience & conspiracy theories is wrong without making them feel stupid/upset?
Contrary to the other answers, I think that you can tell your family member that you think her beliefs are wrong and probably even get her to reconsider her stance on some of them. That is not to say ...
- 7,123
47
votes
How to tell someone believing in pseudoscience & conspiracy theories is wrong without making them feel stupid/upset?
I have argued many pro-science positions against those who are typically called "anti-science." I have a reasonably good track record of convincing them. My approach, however, can be very difficult: ...
- 4,322
42
votes
Accepted
Tips on reassuring partner with bad experiences with previous partners
It sounds like this could be cleared up with a little more preemptive communication...
In the case of her being worried that you left angry a simple:
Hey, I'm going to head out, but take your time....
- 54.9k
40
votes
Accepted
How to tell a non-muslim friend that "Inter-faith Marriage not gonna work"?
Asking questions, as you've done, is generally a good way to get someone to think about something without being particularly confrontational.
If I were you, I'd keep the questions coming:
Shouldn'...
- 4,046
40
votes
Accepted
How to help my mother work through extreme anxieties?
Wow, this is a difficult question, and I hate to say "There's nothing you can do," but that's about what it will boil down to.
I can say, sit down and have a rational discussion about everything that'...
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37
votes
How can I help my Significant Other to overcome his fear particularly when I don't understand it?
Framing it as getting them to overcome their fears is counterproductive. In addition to the existing fear there's now an additional pressure to "get over this problem". This creates an new thing to be ...
- 8,434
33
votes
Accepted
How do I tell or convince a friend that he should do an autism test?
You can't do this directly without likely causing offense.
There is a stigma surrounding autism, so if you say "Hey, you should take an autism test" or even worse "You need professional help", what ...
- 1,541
33
votes
How can I talk with my older cousin about his sexuality?
It's worth noting that it's not an either or. Sexuality is more of a spectrum, as in some people may fall somewhere in the middle. Your cousin may be one of these people, or he may not, but you don't ...
- 54.9k
31
votes
Accepted
How to help my girlfriend get her confidence back?
The seeds of confidence need a breeding ground. Be the potting soil she needs.
As you already have help from a profesional, I would just recommand that you:
Tell her you love her.
Show her you love ...
- 22.1k
31
votes
How to tell someone believing in pseudoscience & conspiracy theories is wrong without making them feel stupid/upset?
Unfortunately, your two viewpoints are pretty much diametrically opposed. And anti-vaxxers rely on ignoring accepted scientific consensus and evidence etc., so if you approach this from a scientific, ...
- 4,019
30
votes
Accepted
How can I talk with my older cousin about his sexuality?
You can't. It's really not your place, regardless of intention. I get that you feel it would be somehow kind, it very rarely would be received that way.
My sexuality is my business. Yours is yours....
- 10k
29
votes
How to explain that it upsets me to see people kill insects?
What you have is a conflict of belief systems - yours, in which all life is equal, and your mother's, apparently in which not all life is equal. Also, it is obvious that your mother does not want ants ...
- 32.4k
28
votes
Accepted
How to help my friend who is a functioning alcoholic?
Credibility
First, I'm glad you've asked this question and I'm hoping this answer can not only help you but someone else in your position. Plus, to give this answer an ounce of credibility I'll have ...
- 9,779
27
votes
Warning someone that they have been suckered into a scam
This is a tough one and the blow back from Anne might include her cutting you out of her life.
My Story
A little over a decade ago I was involved in a religious cult and I completely bought into it ...
- 1,293
22
votes
How can I help my Significant Other to overcome his fear particularly when I don't understand it?
Don't try to reason with phobias. By definition, they're irrational fears or fears to an irrational degree.
Don't try to cure someone else of a phobia without their consent and cooperation. They ...
- 321
20
votes
How to help someone who threatens self-harm over the internet?
As more and more people use the internet, long-distance cries for help are getting more and more common. If you were in the same room, it would be best to help that person find someone who is trained ...
19
votes
Accepted
What to do if I/Someone I know is feeling depressed/suicidal?
This answer will deal with not just what to do if you personally are dealing with depression/suicidal thoughts, but also if someone you know is feeling that way too. Any numbers, websites or hotlines ...
18
votes
How do I tell or convince a friend that he should do an autism test?
If you want to talk to your friend, you must be prepared to provide some meaningful information on autism you should first learn as much about the disorder as you can. If you are going to approach ...
- 22.1k
17
votes
How to help my friend so he doesn't rely on me financially as much?
Leave no man behind is a good policy as long as you are not left behind along with your friend. Dragging someone around is a beautiful thing for a human to do. Takes a lot of courage to be able to ...
- 4,407
17
votes
How to suggest someone to find a hobby without offending them?
Depression
I think half of the problem here is your initial framing and her depression.
Anything said to her in that way with her current state of mind will (in all likelihood) be taken as an insult ...
- 3,061
16
votes
Accepted
How can I ask an autistic volunteer at camp to be more independent?
With almost all ASD (autism spectrum disorders) social skills are usually underdeveloped. All other "conditions" can vary from severe lack of ability to normal functioning. In the so-called high-...
- 2,705
16
votes
How to tell someone believing in pseudoscience & conspiracy theories is wrong without making them feel stupid/upset?
male vegan conspiracy theorist here. Perhaps I can offer a viewpoint from the other side of the fence, as it were?
I notice your thread is earmarked as conflict aversion. The best way to avoid a ...
- 185
15
votes
Accepted
How can I support a friend with healthy weight loss?
It is very simple! Don't tell, show. Team up!
If you can share a healthy lunch on one (or more) workday per week it will both be fun and will help lose weight.
Ready-made food often drips calories. ...
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