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Social Skills
How to Express Disappointment
Practice words and calm-down steps for telling someone you feel disappointed without yelling or shutting down.
How to Express Disappointment: step-by-step guide
Disappointment is normal, and there are calm ways to say it. Watch the video, then practice the words out loud.
Notice the feeling in your body, such as a tight chest or hot face.
Take a slow breath in and out before you speak.
Use an I statement, such as I feel disappointed that the trip was cancelled.
Say why it matters to you in one sentence.
Ask for what would help, such as picking a new day.
Give yourself a break if you need one, then come back to the conversation.
Helpful tips
- It is okay to say I need a minute before you talk about it.
