To effectively convey hard truths to friends, you need to first establish what?

Establishing relational credibility is essential when conveying hard truths to friends because it lays the foundation of trust and respect in the relationship. When someone has relational credibility, they are seen as trustworthy and reliable by the other person. This credibility allows the friend receiving the hard truth to be more receptive, understanding that the messenger has their best interests at heart.

Without this credibility, the message may be perceived as judgmental or unconstructive. Therefore, building a relationship characterized by honesty, support, and genuine care for one another enhances the effectiveness of delivering difficult messages. The other options, while they may contribute to a positive friendship, do not directly establish the essential trust necessary for delivering sensitive information.