Even the simple words can be hurtful to your spouse.
No…
I’m not talking about the 4-letter “S” word that most people don’t like…
I’m talking about a 6-letter “S” word that can wreak havoc on the relationship with your husband, wife, or co-parent.
It’s a word that gets used a lot when you’re angry…
When your partner isn’t doing what you’d like them to be doing…
And it usually leads to a lot of defensiveness and arguing.
Wondering what this powerful “S” word is?
It’s the word SHOULD.
Should gets used when we think we know what would be best for someone else to do.
Examples:
- Dave, you should spend more time with the kids.
- Shannon, you should have dinner ready when I come from work.
- Tom, you shouldn’t be so strict with the kids.
- Jennifer, you should appreciate how hard I’m working for the family.
Using “should” is something we’ve spent our whole lives practicing…
But it might not be the most effective way of communicating with your partner if you want to feel good and have both of you feeling respected.
What can you do instead?
Click through to the full article from Jason Stein for some examples of what you can say to your partner instead of all the “shoulds”.
“Shoulding” The Other Parent [Free To Be]
