You hear a friend complaining about their living situation, and you want to show empathy. (I see where you’re coming from, just so you know, for what it’s worth)

You’ve realized a friend is always late and it affects your plans, and you want to address it. (just so you know, I know where you’re coming from, in the spirit of transparency)

You are going to quit your job. You weren’t going to tell your boss until the end of the month but she has now asked you to participate in a big project. Tell her you are quitting. (disclosure, middle ground, it’s worth)

You recently had a health scare and a friend asks about your well-being. (to put it gently, just so you know, for what it’s worth)

You’ve been negotiating a contract with a customer and feel like you have offered a lot but they haven’t been very flexible. (all honesty, disclosure, meet halfway)

You want to support a friend who is indecisive about a significant life choice. (for what it’s worth, I know where you’re coming from, meet halfway)

A team member has shared an idea that you think needs adjustment before it can succeed. (if I’m being honest, agree, gently)

Communicate to a colleague that the strategy she presented might not work. (being honest, middle ground, acknowledge)

You want to let a friend know that you understand why they quit their job. (just so, in the spirit of, coming from)

You're giving feedback to a friend about a book they wrote and want to be supportive. (to put it mildly, acknowledge, in the spirit of full disclosure)

A colleague has suggested a new approach for a project, but you have some reservations. (if I’m being honest, acknowledge, in the spirit of transparency)

Your partner has been talking about a problem they have at work. You want to interrupt them to ask about a detail. (gently, chime, acknowledge)