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Differences that change a conversation

Difficult or impossible?

A polite refusal and literal meaning

Samuel believes he rejected the deadline. Jonas hears that it is difficult but still possible.

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Jonas asks Samuel about a Friday deployment deadline.
Can we have it done by Friday?
Hmm… Friday will be very difficult.
Samuel and Jonas leave the exchange with opposite conclusions.
Clearly, no.
Difficult, but possible.
On Thursday Jonas checks readiness and Samuel is surprised. ON THURSDAY
Samuel, are we ready for tomorrow?
Tomorrow? I said Friday would be difficult.
Samuel and Jonas discover two meanings of difficult.
Difficult doesn’t mean impossible.
In that conversation, to me it did.
Samuel gives a clear realistic deadline.
We can’t make Friday. Tuesday is realistic.
Now I know.
Em, the Empatyzer coach
Samuel uses softened language to decline politely. Jonas hears it literally: difficult does not mean impossible. Both leave believing the deadline has been settled, but each has a different day in mind. If an answer changes the plan, say no explicitly and give a realistic alternative immediately.