Say the Dang Thing: A Workshop for Hard Conversations

We all know that feeling of not saying something that needs to be said.
The thing we keep rehearsing in our head. The text we keep drafting and deleting. The hurt we keep minimizing because “it’s probably not a big deal.” The need we keep swallowing because we don’t want to seem dramatic, difficult, needy, or too much.
We worry that saying something will damage the relationship in some way.
We don’t stop to consider that not saying something might be doing more damage. What if having the conversation might actually foster more honesty, more clarity, and maybe even more depth in your relationship?
In this workshop, you’ll come with one hard conversation in mind - something that has been weighing on you, whether it’s with a friend, partner, family member, roommate, coworker, or someone else in your life.
You will not be asked to share the specific details of your situation. Instead, through a mix of solo and group-based reflection and activities we’ll explore:
Why we avoid hard conversations
What we’re afraid will happen if we say the thing
What our resistance can teach us about our relationship to conflict, needs, and self-expression
How to distill the hurt underneath the story
How to express yourself without trying to punish, blame, or control the other person’s response
What kind of person you want to practice being in the conversation
What your next grounded step might be
This is not a workshop about “winning” an argument or writing the perfect script.
It’s about learning how to tell the truth with care.
It’s about practicing the belief that someone’s response to your hurt does not get to decide whether your hurt was valid.
It’s about allowing yourself to be imperfect, messy, and human - while still being care-ful and responsible with your words.
And it’s about asking: what would become possible in my relationships if I was able to see hard conversations as a way to strengthen the right relationships and weaken the wrong ones?
For a preview of the ideas behind this workshop, you can read my Substack essay, “Fight with your Friends More.”
Come as you are. Bring the conversation you’ve been avoiding. Leave with more clarity, courage, and a path to connection where you can show up in your full humanness.

About Me
I'm a social health & connection coach whose mission it is to help others connect better. With themselves, their friends, and their community. I do this through workshops, one on one coaching, and writing. Check out my website if you're interested in learning more!

Disclaimer: This event is for reflection and exploration around everyday interpersonal conflict and is not a substitute for therapy, crisis support, legal advice, or support for abusive, coercive, or unsafe dynamics. You will be invited to use your own judgment and participate at the level that feels right for you.