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Avoiding a Difficult Conversation with a Friend or Colleague?

difficult conversation emotions impact resilient trust uncomfortable Feb 19, 2026

Crucial conversations are not limited to your boss, colleagues and the boardroom. Many times, the most difficult conversations we have are ones with those we care deeply about, including our dear friends.

Avoiding these uncomfortable conversations is completely normal. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all done it (me included)—felt that knot in the stomach, the racing thoughts, the temptation to tell ourselves, “It’s not a big deal… it will blow over or I just don’t want to deal with it.”

While avoidance may feel easier in the moment, it’s not productive. In fact, when the issue is with someone we care deeply about, silence often creates more tension, assumptions, hurt, and distance.

Ironically, difficult conversations with dear friends can be even harder than those with colleagues. Friends hold our history, our trust, and our hearts. The stakes feel higher. We don’t want to risk damaging the relationship or looking overly sensitive. But because we value the friendship, having the con...