When a family member's words or behaviour leave you feeling drained, anxious, or constantly off-balance, ordinary coping strategies can fail. The grey rock method is a practical approach used by many people in estranged or conflict-affected families: by becoming emotionally uninteresting and unresponsive, you reduce the hooks the other person pulls on. This book shows you exactly how to use it — and, just as important, when not to. You will learn how to give short, neutral answers; how to resist the urge to explain, defend, or apologise; how to hold your ground at gatherings without becoming cold; and how to manage the internal fallout of suppressing your reactions. Throughout, the focus is on your own behaviour and wellbeing, not on diagnosing anyone else. Written with calm, non-judgemental guidance, this book helps you decide what kind of distance is right for you, supports you if you choose to use it, and steers you to appropriate help if the situation becomes unsafe. Part of The Estrangement Library.
About the author
Ottilie Winterslow Follansbee writes for The Estrangement Library.
