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Dealing with interpersonal issues can be tricky—especially when it comes to resolving problems. If you have difficulty speaking your mind or a fear of rocking the boat, your first inclination might be to stay mum and bury things deep inside. However, there can be health benefits to talking things out.
"Clearing the air can help relieve stress and tension," says Racine Henry, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private practice in New York City. What's more, having the conversation itself can be more important than its result, Dr. Henry adds. That's because whether they're with your partner, your boss or someone else, confrontations give people a better understanding of how others prefer to be treated. "Avoiding confrontation and not communicating when your feelings are hurt mainly teach the other person that it is acceptable to keep treating you in a way you don't like," she says.
If confronting someone makes you uneasy, try these tactics to get over your fears.
