When someone questions your decisions or perspectives, a helpful response is to say, “You are right, there are tradeoffs.”
This simple phrase acknowledges the validity of the other person’s concerns without launching into a lengthy defense of your choices. It paves the way for constructive communication by validating their point of view and gently guiding the conversation toward your reasons for your decision.
📌Here’s why this approach is effective:
- Mentioning tradeoffs subtly introduces the complexity of decision-making, indicating that you’ve carefully considered various aspects, including pros and cons. This encourages the other person to think more comprehensively about the situation.
- Rather than immediately defending your position and providing explanations, this approach invites the other person to inquire further if they want to understand your reasons better. It fosters a more organic conversation where you can share your perspective only when they are genuinely interested.