Attack Quote by Rick Brinkman
““The next time a spouse or friend says something in an attacking manner, rather than defend against the attack, blend with the intent by saying, “I appreciate that you care about me, and I want to clear the air between us.” There’s a real possibility that the person will stop in his or her tracks and calm down and that real communication will ensue.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Difficult Conversations, Rick Brinkman & Douglas Stone, 1999
When attacked, respond with appreciation and a desire to clear the air, which can defuse tension and foster dialogue.
In simple terms: Respond with appreciation to defuse conflict.
Key Takeaway
Use empathy and calm language in heated moments.
Themes
communication
conflict resolution
empathy
relationship management
Mood
calm
constructive
empathetic
Type
self‑help
relationship
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace mediation
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
active listening
non‑violent communication
psychological safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice this response?
- What if the other person remains hostile?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on the other person’s willingness to engage.
![“I mean, it's not just the rappers, you know what i'm saying? People want to attack anybody that's a large figure, you know what I'm saying? They did it to [Michael] Jordan, they did it to [Mike] Tyson, they did it to Bill Cosby, you know what I'm saying? They're gonna' attack you if you on top.” quote by The Notorious B.I.G](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac8/the-notorious-b-i-g-8034_attack_i-mean-it-s-not-just-the-rappers-you-kno_27728.jpg)
