In the presence of displacement phrases, try these responses to keep the conversation going and dig deeper into the underlying emotion. Remember to tread carefully, since the closer you get to the underlying emotion, the more tender it may be. I’m wondering if we are still talking about [the dirty dishes, the unmet deadline, who paid the bill last, etc.]. Is there something more going on? I’m noticing our conversation is escalating; is . . . still the problem, or is this about something else? I think I may have upset you, but I’m not sure if it’s about . . . anymore. I can see talking about
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