Difficult Conversations Made Easier

by Vocafy Verifisert

Engelsk (US) B2 12 spørsmål People & relationships

Practice clear, considerate ways to set boundaries, express disappointment, and handle sensitive moments without losing connection.

1. 1. Velg riktig svar.

   You are happy to lend your jacket, but only with permission. Which reply makes that boundary clear without blaming your roommate?

   Roommate: Is it okay if I borrow your jacket sometimes?

   • Of course. You can take it whenever you like.
   • Yes, but please ask me each time before taking it.
   • Apparently, asking before taking things is too difficult for you.

   A clear boundary explains what is allowed and what needs to happen first.

   Show solution

   • Yes, but please ask me each time before taking it.

   A specific request such as “please ask me each time” gives the other person a clear way to respect your boundary.

2. 2. Fyll inn det tomme feltet.

   You need to decline dinner tonight while showing that you still want to meet.

   I'm sorry, I can't make it tonight, but ___.

   • I'd be happy to meet another evening
   • I can still be there at seven
   • I don't want to arrange another dinner

   Your reply should keep the possibility of meeting open.

   Show solution

   I'm sorry, I can't make it tonight, but I'd be happy to meet another evening.

   Offering another time shows that you are declining this plan, not rejecting the person.

3. 3. Velg riktig svar.

   Which reply takes responsibility rather than blaming Maya or explaining the mistake away?

   Maya: You shared my news before I was ready to tell people.

   • I thought you'd told everyone, so it wasn't really a secret.
   • I'm sorry you didn't make it clearer that I should wait.
   • I should have checked with you. I'm sorry I shared it.

   Look for an apology that names the speaker's own mistake.

   Show solution

   • I should have checked with you. I'm sorry I shared it.

   “I should have checked” recognizes a missed responsibility without making the other person defend their feelings.

4. 4. Sett ordene i riktig rekkefølge.

   You want to explain how a public joke about your job affected you, without labeling your friend's character.

   • I felt
   • in front of everyone,
   • When you joked
   • about my job
   • embarrassed.

   Begin with the specific event, then describe its effect on you.

   Show solution

   When you joked about my job in front of everyone, I felt embarrassed.

   Describing an event and your reaction keeps the conversation more focused than calling someone “unkind” or “selfish.”

5. 5. Velg riktig svar.

   Which reply acknowledges the disappointment without dismissing it or immediately giving advice?

   Friend: I didn't get the apartment. I know they had other applicants, but I'm really disappointed.

   • You really wanted that place. It's understandable that you're disappointed.
   • At least you have somewhere to live, so there's no reason to be upset.
   • Contact three more landlords today and increase your budget.

   Your friend is sharing a feeling, not yet asking for a solution.

   Show solution

   • You really wanted that place. It's understandable that you're disappointed.

   Acknowledging disappointment can help someone feel heard before they are ready to discuss their next steps.

6. 6. Fyll inn de tomme feltene.

   A friend asks for another loan. You want to say no without criticizing them and offer help finding another solution.

   I'm not in a position ___ you money, but I'm happy to help you look ___ other options.

   • lending
   • for
   • to lend
   • about

   “In a position” is followed by an infinitive. The second expression means searching.

   Show solution

   I'm not in a position to lend you money, but I'm happy to help you look for other options.

   “I'm not in a position to” presents a limit without judging the person who asked.

7. 7. Fyll inn det tomme feltet.

   Your friend has had a difficult day. You want to find out whether they want advice or simply someone to listen.

   Would it help if I offered suggestions, or would you rather ___?

   • I explained what you should have done
   • I offered suggestions right away
   • I just listened for now

   The second possibility should offer a different kind of support from advice.

   Show solution

   Would it help if I offered suggestions, or would you rather I just listened for now?

   Checking what kind of support someone wants avoids giving advice when they mainly need space to talk.

8. 8. Sett ordene i riktig rekkefølge.

   The discussion is getting heated. You want a short pause, not to end the conversation.

   • after dinner?
   • Could we
   • to this
   • and come back
   • take a short break

   Ask for the pause first, then make a plan to continue.

   Show solution

   Could we take a short break and come back to this after dinner?

   Suggesting a time to return shows that a break is not an attempt to avoid the issue.

9. 9. Velg riktig svar.

   Your decision to move is final. Which reply is kind without making that decision sound uncertain?

   Friend: So, are you definitely moving away?

   • I might move, but nothing is settled yet.
   • I am moving. I know this is hard to hear, and I'd like us to talk about staying in touch.
   • Let's assume I'm staying unless something changes.

   Careful wording can soften the emotional impact without changing the facts.

   Show solution

   • I am moving. I know this is hard to hear, and I'd like us to talk about staying in touch.

   When a decision is final, clear wording avoids false hope. You can still show care by discussing what comes next.

10. 10. Fyll inn de tomme feltene.

    Your friend was upset after a conversation. You want to understand what happened before assuming you know why.

    I don't want to jump ___ conclusions about why you were upset. Could you talk me ___ what happened?

    • through
    • at
    • for
    • to

    The first expression means judging too quickly. The second asks for a step-by-step explanation.

    Show solution

    I don't want to jump to conclusions about why you were upset. Could you talk me through what happened?

    “Talk me through” invites someone to explain events in their own words before you judge the situation.

11. 11. Velg riktig svar.

    What distinction does the second speaker make?

    Alex: I only mentioned your job search because I thought your cousin could help.
    Jordan: I understand you meant well. I'd still like you to check with me before sharing anything about it.

    • Jordan appreciates Alex's intention but still wants control over sharing personal information.
    • Jordan agrees that a helpful intention removes the need to ask permission.
    • Jordan doubts Alex wanted to help and asks Alex to stop offering support altogether.

    Notice how “still” keeps the request in place after the acknowledgment.

    Show solution

    • Jordan appreciates Alex's intention but still wants control over sharing personal information.

    “You meant well” recognizes a good intention; it does not automatically approve the action.

12. 12. Velg riktig svar.

    What should the friend understand about “I wish I could help” in this reply?

    Friend: Could you watch my dog every weekend this month?
    You: I wish I could help, but I can't commit to that.

    • It suggests that the speaker will agree if the friend asks again.
    • It means the speaker has agreed but would prefer a different schedule.
    • It expresses goodwill, but it does not cancel the refusal.

    The part after “but” states the speaker's actual answer.

    Show solution

    • It expresses goodwill, but it does not cancel the refusal.

    “I wish I could” often softens a refusal. It expresses a desire, not a promise.