Replace "you" with "I": how to criticize your interlocutor correctly

10.04.2024 10:34

Few people want to criticize their family and friends, but sometimes such a need arises.

When making a claim to a loved one, many people make a very serious mistake.

They accuse the person directly, using the so-called “you-statement”.

For example, they say: “You disappointed me” or “You did everything wrong.”

But you need to criticize in such a way that the other person doesn’t feel psychological pressure.

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Photo: Pixabay

How to criticize a person correctly

Any “you-statement” should be replaced with an “I-statement”.

Example: Instead of “You didn’t repair the faucet well,” you should say “It seems to me that the faucet still doesn’t work well.”

Instead of "You cooked a bad dinner," it is advisable to say the following phrase: "I think the food is not cooked well."

Following this simple rule will ensure that your interlocutor does not take criticism to heart.

After all, a person is not so much accused as they are pointed out to him about certain shortcomings in his work.

Therefore, there is no feeling of disappointment. The thought appears: "It's okay, I'll fix everything now."

Earlier we named 5 things you don’t need to apologize for.

Author: Kurchev Anton Deputy Editor-in-Chief