If you’ve ever sent an email asking for something “ASAP” only to get a response a fortnight later, or said “I’ll see if I can” when you wanted to say “I’m too busy!”, you likely thought you were protecting the other person’s boundaries or feelings.
But the truth is, we often use this kind of communication to protect ourselves from being thought badly of.
When we’re direct about our needs, expectations, and boundaries, we prevent misunderstandings and build trust. As Brené Brown says, “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind”.
In this quick dip episode, Rachel offers ways we can communicate with more clarity by
- identifying what we really want instead of softening our messaging
- writing short but polite emails rather than long-winded requests
- stating boundaries directly rather than hoping others will understand
None of us is a mind reader, so when we expect others to intuit our needs, they inevitably get it wrong. This can lead to missed deadlines, trampled boundaries, and growing resentment. What we think protects others from discomfort actually denies them the respect of honest feedback.
Remember that clarity isn’t rude or bossy; it’s respectful and ultimately turns down the heat for everyone.
