Thought these were good tips:

• Don't say: “That reminds me of the time… ” because what they'll hear is: “I can top that.”
• Don't say: “Haven’t we talked about this before?” because what they'll hear is: “Why are you still hung up about this?”
• Don't say: “No, actually…" because what they'll hear is: "I am right; you’re wrong.”
• Don't say: "I understand" because what they'll hear is: "I get it. You don't need to keep talking."
• And don't say: "I know how you feel." Instead, ask them how they feel.

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