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Separate Fact from Interpretation
Write the situation in two columns: a fact a camera could record, and your interpretation.
Goal
Distinguish what actually happened from the story you built around it, so you can discuss conflict at the fact layer and close half the door of disagreement.
Steps
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1
Draw two columns: "Fact (camera)" and "My interpretation".
Expected Outcome
Immediate
You discover the upset is not the fact but the interpretation — a discovery that lowers intensity.
Evidence base
School: Nonviolent Communication / Crucial Conversations
Founders: Marshall Rosenberg · Kerry Patterson (2002)
Distinguishing observation from evaluation is the core of NVC by Rosenberg, and the "story we tell ourselves" concept from Crucial Conversations.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Separate Fact from Interpretation" take?
This exercise takes about 10 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.
When will I notice the effect of "Separate Fact from Interpretation"?
You discover the upset is not the fact but the interpretation — a discovery that lowers intensity. In the short term: Within two weeks, "it was a misunderstanding" outcomes rise and head-on collisions drop.
Is "Separate Fact from Interpretation" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Nonviolent Communication / Crucial Conversations (Marshall Rosenberg, Kerry Patterson (2002)). Distinguishing observation from evaluation is the core of NVC by Rosenberg, and the "story we tell ourselves" concept from Crucial Conversations.
Is "Separate Fact from Interpretation" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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