Your long-term friend Ericka is planning to reveal to her new boyfriend, Bruce, the emotional effects of her father’s absence from her childhood. She wants some advice for how to make sure that this disclosure is effective. What advice would you give Ericka, based on your knowledge of effective self-disclosure skills?

What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary because there are several different skills that Ericka could use. Students may focus particularly on choosing the appropriate context, being sure the amount and type of disclosure are appropriate, and estimating the effect of the disclosure on the relationship.