Stop Being Overly Critical

Instead of telling others how awful they are, using ‘I statements’ expresses your own feelings and needs, especially related to the topic that is dividing you.

This creates a peaceful resolution based on meeting each other’s needs. 

How you say something is as important as what you say. 

• Do not use extremes. Accusations such as, ‘you never,’ ‘you always’ do not add any value to your argument.
• Use ‘I’ statements emphasizing how you feel, rather than ‘you.’ 

Our own fears keep us from confronting others. We fear that we'll lose something, hurt someone we care about, or that it will accomplish nothing.

• Recognize that fear in yourself and identify the real issues that led to the conflict.
• When you are able to discuss the issue...