One strategy that is helpful to open the door is to acknowledge emotions related to a difficult subject before we attempt to talk about them. It may be hard to put words to emotions but, one way or another, they usually get expressed in body gestures, voice pitch or tone, and facial grimaces. If we do not put words to our emotional experience, the other person may wrongly interpret our body language and intentions. By openly discussing one's emotional experience, the chance of being misunderstood is reduced. The mutual, meaningful exchange which results will usually deepen the relationship with each other.
Emotions are varied in intensity and duration.
There are eight basic emotions, and terms used to describe emotions and feelings stem from them. Learning the eight emotions, how they feel in your body, and the grades of intensity each emotion can manifest is important to gain fluency with this acquired language of the heart. I know you tried to call me. The first example speaks in a simple, direct way to another person. It creates a risk of and opportunity for intimacy.