\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. On the other hand, you have to be prepared for the other person's reaction. Understand its importance to them and their trusting you with this feeling or thought. For more tips from our co-author, including how to be open to new experiences, read on! Being open is a kind of invitation to others. Writing a letter to yourself, or keeping a journal, are great ways to explore your feelings. Its not your job to convince someone to help you. "Because I'm nervous about telling people I'm gay.". Or maybe you prefer to write your feelings down in a letter, email, or online chat. This gives the other person more information about what youre going through and helps you to better understand what youre experiencing. Look through some of the science and research findings and introduce some of the key tools and techniques proven to improve wellbeing and happiness. You might say, Ive been really anxious lately, and its making me withdraw, or Im feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work I have on and its really affecting my sleep. That can mean taking a step back from the situation and beginning again from square one. Sometimes, the setting of the conversation can have as much of an effect on the outcome as whats said. Is There a Way to Discipline a Child Who Just Wont Listen? We might overthink the process, worry about being judged, or struggle to find the right language. Please see. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When youre ready to talk, find somewhere comfortable, relatively quiet, and where youre unlikely to be disturbed or interrupted. What are some of your favorite go-to recipes? Unfortunately not. Opening up about your feelings can be tough, but its an important part of forming meaningful relationships. The trick is to balance knowing what youd like to say, and leaving room for the other person to speak. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association. APA ReferenceStaff, H. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Both are certainly ways of being open about anger. Site last updated July 21, 2022, Strategies for Successful Long Distance Relationships, Discovering the Keys to a Successful Marriage or Relationship, A Cosmic Perspective - the Kinder, Gentler Way. When you're feeling jealous, happy, anxious or sad why not share with other people what you're really feeling. Finally, the extent to which others are open with you will depend on how open you are with them. "It was very thorough and understandable. *Please note none of our other services are means-tested. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. For instance, instead of talking to a friend about school or your favorite TV show, you might talk about something thats stressing you out. Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Apply the same kindness to yourself. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Talking about your emotions should be an experience that strengthens the openness and trust you have in relationships, without making others responsible for how you feel. It can help someone to understand what youre experiencing if you describe how your feelings are affecting your life, and what actions theyre prompting you to take (or stopping you from taking). Celebrate Love Articles Table of Contents, Healthy Communication in Recovery from Codependency, Rape Victim Stories: Real Stories of Being Raped, Depression Quotes & Sayings That Capture Life with Depression. There can also be a risk of mis-labelling a tendency to not express things with words as an inability to access emotions full stop. Merrett House, Swift Park, Old This article was co-authored by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Or, more likely, perhaps theyre simply telling you that everything is fine, changing the subject or deflecting attention in other ways. If you can't speak face to face, you could try talking on a video or phone call. Although friends and family can sometimes help you feel less anxious, its important that this process empowers you to work through your emotions independently. How to Open Up and Reveal Yourself to Others, HealthyPlace. You may also want to discuss any concerns about confidentiality. By using our site, you agree to our. But so many of us find it hard to talk about our feelings. Talking about our feelings can make us feel vulnerable, but try to see it as investing in yourself. Depression can make life so gray that you arent sure where the sunshine is hiding or if it will return., Particularly when young, some people may ask, "How do I know if I am gay?"