This is going to hurt: how to have awkward conversations

We've all had an everyday interaction go horribly wrong. Experts give advice on how to handle difficult issues like sex, money and even dog poo

Tricky conversations are easy to put off - but dodging them only makes things harder. They're often about something that could make life easier or better but the fact that the exchange may be embarrassing or difficult for one party or both, forms a big barrier.

Remembering a few ground rules could make things easier. First: this is a two-way thing. It's not just about you - the other person may also be nervous, uncertain, defensive, scared or unhappy.