Multiple “don’t want”/”Don’t like” statements seldom add up to one clear “would like”.
– “I don’t want a blue sweater.”
– “I don’t want a cardigan.”
“Would like” statements efficiently convey your preferences.
– “I would like a red V neck sweater.”
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“Don’t like” tends to engender defensiveness, discouragement and negativity.
“Would like” invites constructive dialog.
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“Don’t like” and “don’t want” generate ill will.
“Would like” adds positivity, goodwill, enthusiasm and cooperation.
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Avoid following “would like” with the word “you”. “I would like you to” sounds controlling.
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These sentence openings invite cooperation
– “I would like a …”
– “I would like to …”
– “I would like more …”
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You can neutralize the negativity of a “I don’t want” by adding what you would like.
– “I don’t like to start dinner a t 7 PM; I would like to start earlier so we can have longer evenings together.”