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If You Want to Improve Your Relationships, Stop Saying These 3 Things
Relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, but sometimes, the words we use can unintentionally create distance, hurt, or misunderstandings. If you’re looking to strengthen your connections — whether with a partner, friend, or family member — start by paying attention to your language. Here are three phrases to avoid and what to say instead.
1. “You always…” or “You never…”
These absolute statements are relationship killers. They put the other person on the defensive and make them feel attacked. For example, saying, “You never listen to me,” can escalate a simple issue into a full-blown argument.
What to say instead:
Use “I” statements to express how you feel. For instance, “I feel unheard when I’m sharing something important.” This shifts the focus to your emotions and opens the door for constructive dialogue.
2. “It’s not a big deal.”
Minimizing someone’s feelings or concerns can make them feel invalidated. Even if something seems trivial to you, it might matter deeply to them.
What to say instead:
Acknowledge their feelings with empathy. Try, “I understand this is important to you. Let’s talk about it.” This shows you value…
