When we argue, words sometimes go beyond thought. And we regret it. And while it’s possible to ask for forgiveness afterwards, some words hurt more than others, making it harder, if not impossible, to walk away. So what are the two words to avoid at all costs during an argument?
It’s normal to argue when you’re in a relationship. However, it’s important to watch out for certain things and avoid unfortunate turns of events that could do too much damage. You’re entitled to reproach your partner for certain things (who isn’t?!), but there are limits. And the two words you shouldn’t use in an argument are “never” and “always”. And why is that? We explain
Aggressive language
When we’re angry, it’s often hard to contain ourselves, so we tend to use strong words to impress the other person and back up our reproaches. And some of these tend to escalate the situation in an argument. According to the experts, these exaggerations systematically put your interlocutor, who feels cornered, on the defensive.
Indeed, they give the impression that you’ve been thinking about your action for some time, and have been keeping your ammunition under wraps. never” and “always” are really considered aggressive, and it’s advisable to use more nuanced words like “often”, “sometimes”, “rarely” or “little”. Yes, it’s hard to hold back in the middle of an argument, especially when the other person is blowing you out of proportion. But it’s for your own good. And while it may seem trivial, you’ll see the difference. These adverbs tend to calm tensions a little. Test it out.
Is it possible to stop an argument dead in its tracks with a single word?
It would seem that there’s a magic word that can put a stop to any headache in a relationship. So when you feel that things are going too far, and that each of you is going to end up hurt by the other’s words, be strong and take it upon yourself to be the one to put an end to the conflict. Is ego worth more than love?
When we argue, we tend to play on each other’s weaknesses, which we know all too well. Don’t do that. And if you feel things are getting out of hand, say the magic word: “Ouch”. This magic word will stop the argument in its tracks. By using this word, you show the other person that you’re hurt and that they’ve gone too far. It also shows that you’re not trying to retaliate, but rather to ease tensions.
In doubt? Give it a try.
