Twenty case studies explaining how to gently deliver a range of life's most awkward messages while causing minimal harm.

Life constantly requires us to give other people some hugely awkward messages: that we don't love them anymore; that we do love them (though we're not meant to); that they smell a bit; that they're fired; that we're furious with them (though we adore them) or that their music is too loud...

Often, out of embarrassment, we just stay quiet. Occasionally we explode. And typically, we stumble about, looking for the right words ? dreading that we didn't find them and thereby causing more hurt than we should.

This is a book to help us locate the best possible words to get across a range of life's most difficult messages. With twenty case studies drawn from relationships, friendships, work, our families, and social situations, we are gently shown what we might ? in an ideal world ? find ourselves saying to make our intentions known while causing minimal harm. We are guided, among other topics, to how best to end a relationship, how to make it up with a child, and how gently to let down a friend who wants more.

We laugh, we recognize our troubles ? and we're introduced to a range of deeply empathetic ways to navigate some of our most acute social dilemmas.

• GIFT: beautifully packaged in premium gift format.
• A PRACTICAL GUIDE: helpful advice on navigating a range of awkward social situations, from the everyday to the unforeseen.
• PLAYFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: a fun, entertaining read.
• ENGAGING: case studies help demonstrate effective communication in family, work, and relationships.

• SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: crucial tools for navigating social situations with ease.

  Autorentext

  The School of Life is a global organisation helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfilment.
  The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socialising, finding calm and enjoying culture through content, community and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events and one-to-one therapy sessions. The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 6 million YouTube subscribers, 348,000 Facebook followers, 201,000 Instagram followers and 161,000 Twitter followers.
  The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

  Inhalt

  Introduction
  Relationships
  I want us just to be friends
  Do you still love me?
  We should break up
  There's this thing about me and sex
  Yes I did have an affair
  Friendships
  Do you want to be friends with me?
  I don't want to be friends with you anymore
  I love you
  I can't take your success
  Thank you for dinner
  Work
  I've screwed up
  There's something wrong with you
  Did you have a nice weekend?
  Do it now!
  You're fired
  Family
  I'm so sorry for letting you down
  I'm angry
  I love you but we have so little in common
  You have to do your homework
  Strangers
  There's a fly in my soup