Expressing your emotions can be akin to navigating a maze of vulnerability, courage, and perhaps a hint of trepidation. Yet, it's in these moments of emotional transparency that the fabric of connections is woven. Finding the words to articulate your feelings, whether they be affection, admiration, or profound care, can be an exquisite journey of self-discovery and connection-building. So, let's embark on an exploration into the various ways and nuances of telling someone exactly how you feel, unearthing the artistry of emotional expression that transcends mere words.
# Choose the right timeIt’s no good simply jumping in and spilling your inner thoughts and feelings while on the bus, or in the corridor *that’s where I did it, bad mistake*, or in the kitchen at work. You need to choose the right moment and location.
This doesn’t require a lot of planning, but just acknowledge when a place feels right and when it’s really far too public. At the same time, don’t spill your guts when the other person seems stressed or upset about something else.
#
Don’t keep putting it off
It’s so easy put it off right at the last moment, because your nerves get the better of you. Don’t do that! If you choose to tell them how you feel, make sure you commit to it and go for it. Choose the right time, as before, and just take a deep breath – you can do it!
# Keep it simpleOne of the best pieces of advice on how to tell someone how you feel is to keep it as simple as you can. You don’t need to make it a huge drama, or make it oh-so-complicated. Stick to the basics – I like you, or I didn’t like what you did yesterday, etc. Whatever it is you need to say, simplify it and say it.
# Avoid foretelling the future
I get it, it’s completely
natural to sit there daydreaming about future outcomes, but it won’t
really help. For instance, hopefully if you’re telling someone you like
them, they’ll say the same back, but what if they don’t?
If
you’ve spent hours daydreaming your first date and it doesn’t happen,
you’re going to be disappointed. I’m not suggesting you imagine the
worst case scenario, but simply avoid thinking anything and you’ll side
step a huge issue.
# Fake confidence and you’ll feel itEven if you’re super nervous, can’t stop shaking, and you’re sweating deep down, fake confidence and you’ll start to feel it. Force yourself to make eye contact, no matter how much you want to look away, and keep your head up, shoulders back. You can do it!
# Accept that rejection is a possibilityWhile I personally hope that rejection doesn’t come your way, accept that it is a possibility and you won’t be disappointed. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. It’s the best advice to give when talking about how to tell someone how you feel!
# Don’t worry about stutters and stammersIf your speech is full of ‘so, erm …’, ‘er …’, ‘and like …’ don’t worry. It’s fine. As long a you get the message out there, nerves are a part of the deal. Embrace them for the awkward things they are!
Sometimes, even appearing awkward or stuttering can benefit you, because the whole thing could come off casual and unprepared. That’s a way better option than appearing like you’re regurgitating a pre-planned speech, no one likes that!
# Don’t play it down, but don’t make it super-emotional eitherWhen you’re talking about feelings, it’s easy to become emotional, but keep it as level as possible. At the same time, don’t be tempted to play down how you feel either. Be honest and real, that is how to tell someone how you feel in reality.
# Make sure you say what you need to sayIf this is your one shot to get these feelings out, make sure you say everything you want to say at the time. Don’t be kicking yourself afterwards, wishing you’d said this and that. Simplify it to a few key points and make sure you say them.
# End the conversation on a positive noteYou’re both adults, so make sure the conversation ends on a positive note. If it doesn’t go well, say ‘I hope we can still be friends’, and if it does go well, say ‘I’m so glad we had this conversation’.