I walked in on a conversation.
To be discreet, I’ll say not where it was, or who was there – but really, it could have been most anywhere, most anyone.
Two people. They were talking about a future mother-in-law wanting to buy one of the conversationalists an item for Christmas that they really didn’t want but didn’t know how to turn down. After much to-ing and fro-ing, I intervened (I know her well, so felt I could):
Them: But she just keeps saying she wants to buy me X for Christmas. But I really don’t want that, and I don’t know what to say, how to tell her. I can’t tell her.
Me: What might it take for you to tell them? How might you find the words to say what’s on your mind?
Them: Well … oh yes, I suppose I could. What a great idea.
Problem solved. Words are pretty incredible aren’t they when they’re part of a well thought-out, honest, adult conversation.