How do we start a hard conversation?

This entry describes starting a hard conversation as the opening move: naming the topic, the time, and that the talk is not an ambush. It lists what usually helps the start land, including one subject and room for the other person to say not now if either person is already too stirred to hear.

What this entry does not do

It does not guarantee a calm talk, and it does not say anyone must keep talking through fear or harm.