How to handle difficult situations in communication

According to Sara Jane Ho, founder of Sarita Education Institute, author of the book "Mind Your Manners" and host of the Netflix social communication education show of the same name, you have the following tips to handle when you fall into an awkward situation.

When you forget someone's name

If you meet someone several times and still can’t remember their name, never admit it. Forgetting a name, even temporarily, makes the other person question how much you value them.

In this situation, take out your phone and say you want their contact number, then ask them to dial their phone number or get their social media profile information. You can say that you just bought a new phone and your contacts are deleted to cover up not having their number.

Get out of unwanted conversations

Are you completely uncomfortable with the person talking, asking you questions, or you are in the middle of something but the person continues to "talk on and on"? The solution is to introduce them to someone else, then say you are going to get a drink or go to the restroom for a bit. This way the person will not realize that you are trying to leave the conversation and will not be angry with you.

Responding to rudeness from family members

Family issues can be a little harder to deal with because people are generally more direct or blunt. If a relative like an aunt or uncle asks you questions that you don’t want to answer but can’t be rude about, it’s best to just smile, walk away, and limit future contact with them.

In case it is your in-laws, you should let your husband (wife) respond on your behalf. It is best not to come out and anger them. When your spouse supports you in responding, you just need to listen and smile.

According to Master Caroline Maguire, Lesley University, Massachusetts, USA, to overcome awkward situations in communication, you need to pay attention to managing body language such as breathing, gestures, learn to express your strengths instead of just focusing on your weaknesses. Social skills, like any other life skills, can be practiced and improved at any age.