18 years of school trained you to answer questions. In real life? That ruins conversations.

Someone says, "You're always late." You answer, "No I'm not!"—and boom, fight starts.

Instead, try this: "I understand." Repeat what they said in your own words. Then ask an open question.

"You're too expensive." → "I get that money matters. What else are you considering?"

Do this four times. By the fourth open question, you'll finally hear what's really bothering them.

It's conversation aikido. Go toward the punch. Works every time.