JOT

“‘I’m sorry; I am just pathetic’ isn’t the apology I need.”

When you say, “I’m sorry. OK, so I’m not a good (enough) husband/wife,” or throw out phrases like “I’m so pathetic” or “You deserve better than this,” it doesn’t feel like a real apology to me. It feels like you’re deflecting. Honestly, it seems like you’re sidestepping the hurt I’m feeling. Those self-pitying apologies don’t […]

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Words To Use: “If it bothers you, it matters to me”

“If it bothers you, it matters to me”  or “I know we are each in charge of our own feelings, but yours matter to me.” These phrases are powerful in relationships because they validate your partner’s emotions and show empathy, even when you don’t fully understand or share their feelings. By acknowledging their experience, you

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Blame doesn’t bring accountability or change.

Blaming someone rarely leads to accountability or real change. Why? Because blame makes people defensive. Instead of feeling accountable, they start looking for excuses or someone else to blame. It shuts down productive conversations and growth. Instead, create an atmosphere of understanding. For example, instead of saying, “You don’t care enough to do [something important

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Why “I’m sorry” doesn’t work. What you should say instead.

Too often, when we say “I’m sorry,” it’s less about genuine remorse and more about wanting to stop the other person from being upset. But what people truly want when they feel hurt is to feel understood, not just hear an apology. So if you’ve hurt someone, even unintentionally, start by understanding their perspective. Then,

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What to say when someone puts words in your mouth.

We’ve all been there—someone distorts what we’ve said or assumes our feelings. Comments like, “You just think everyone should agree with you,” “So you believe that I’m always wrong,” or “You’re saying you don’t care about this issue at all,” can leave us feeling frustrated. When faced with these kinds of statements, it’s important to

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Words To Use: “I think this is where we differ…”

The phrase “I think this is where we differ…” is a great way to acknowledge a disagreement without escalating conflict. It keeps the conversation respectful, showing that you recognize and respect the other person’s perspective while expressing your own. It’s a softer, more thoughtful approach to differences, opening the door for dialogue rather than argument.

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