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Ask before offering advice or reassurance.
Marshall B. Rosenberg
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Consider asking others what they need before providing them with advice or comfort.

This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding others' needs and desires before jumping in with advice or reassurance. By asking first, we can better support those around us and ensure that our help is both welcome and appropriate, fostering stronger and more empathetic relationships.

Themes

AdviceUnderstandingRelationshipsSupportCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a workshop about effective communication in relationships.

More from Marshall B. Rosenberg

Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
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Whether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.
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In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.
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All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.
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The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
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Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
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