How do you persuade a person who doesn't like to be direct to stop being so afraid and communicate honestly?

Question

Some people are afraid to be honest or make a decision because they are afraid of failure. But it seems to me that not communicating your ideas to people who want to support you just makes life harder.

Answer 1

Its very difficult to want to help and support someone when they do not want to open up to you. It takes a tremendous amount of effort for some people to lay their feelings, desires, and emotions right out on the open table for someone else to dissect. It may be your honest intention to only give your support and be the postive contributor to their motivation, but to them you just might be the one that is trying to make their mind your habitat.

I would suggest leaving the ball in their court, and let there be less asking on your part, and more support without knowing. Be the person that will be there for them, just because they are them without question. Their trust in you will grow and they will find that there comfort zone is where you are. Where there is genuine trust, there will be openness eventually. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think you can only lead by example.  If you are honest in your relationships, you'll probably attract honest people.  

Answer 3

Simple, by example.  Maybe, they learn by seeing others do it.  You need to watch their behavior.  It'll tell you mountains of information.  Lead by example.  There are many forms of communication not just talking and listening.  Actions speak louder than words.  Silence is golden and deafening.  http://www.qualitycoaching.com/Articles/...  and  http://www.lifescript.com/channels/well_...

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Some things in life have to be figured out individually... if convincing is out of the question the only two options left in life are to kill it or accept it.  

It sounds like you are expecting something you are not going to get or want to change someone who has no will or desire to change.  

To answer your question directly- you can't, but you can try to bend their will until they act how you want and/or make them resent you...

Answer 5

You're right in all you say. The only thing I can say is if this person means a lot to you, you should continue to encourage them to talk to you about what they feel, what they want, their goals, what makes them happy, everything, but just do this a bit at a time, otherwise it can seem overwhelming to someone who's not used to sharing so much with somebody else. I think if you take it slow they will begin to open up more towards you and others as well.

Answer 6

Do they see themselves that way or is it more of a problem for you that they are not who you want them to be? Just checking, as I haven't got this concern directly from them.

Answer 7

I wish I had that problem because I get in trouble all off the time by telling people how I really feel and not sugar coating it.

Answer 8

You cant it is all on them

sorry  

Answer 9

Whew! If you solve this one let me know!!!

Answer 10

I guess by showing them.  Not telling them.  But I am sure they have already seen that.  At the same time, there are so many different personalities and you cannot go around trying to control or change people.  I prefer to accept them for who they are.