Read each situation. Make up a response to the statement which reflects the unexpressed feelings that the other person seems to be experiencing. Since you have to imagine the person's nonverbal expression, the feelings may differ from the ones I suggest. Click to see suggested responses.
Situation 1: A friend is fretting about her up-coming job interview. She says, "Do you think I'll do OK?"
Situation 2: A neighbor says, "It’s to the point now that I don’t like to walk in the neighborhood after dark."
Situation 3: An eighteen-year-old, living at home, says, "I can't live by their rules anymore. I'm ready to move out."
Situation 4: A friend says with a little laugh, "I can't believe I went out this morning with that rip in the back of my pants."
Situation 5: A student says, "Whew! I'm really glad I that test is over."
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Situation 1: A friend is fretting about her up-coming job interview. She says, "Do you think I'll do OK?"
Suggested reflected feeling response: "You sound uncertain." [Return to questions.]
Situation 2: A neighbor says, "It’s to the point now that I don’t like to walk in the neighborhood after dark."
Suggested reflected feeling response: "You appear scared." [Return to questions.]
Situation 3: An eighteen-year-old, living at home, says, "I can't live by their rules anymore. I'm ready to move out."
Suggested reflected feeling response: "You look frustrated." [Return to questions.]
Situation 4: A friend says with a little laugh, "I can't believe I went out this morning with that rip in the back of my pants."
Suggested reflected feeling response: "You sound embarrassed." [Return to questions.]
Situation 5: A student says, "Whew! I'm really glad I that test is over."
Suggested reflected feeling response: "You look relieved." [Return to questions.]
Copyright 1999, Richard D. Rowley.
Last revised:
June 11, 2006
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