Chapter 4 focuses on emotions - what we feel, what we think, and how we might communicate (or not
communicate) our emotions. This Chapter also focuses on 'Accepting Responsibility for Your Feelings', with the use of 'you' vs 'I' statements. As our textbook states, there is an important difference between "you make me angry," and "I'm getting angry." Another example of you vs I statements is "you hurt my feelings," vs "I feel hurt when you do that." The language that we use reflects the fact that we are responsible for (and can own) our feelings.
- Have you thought of the difference between "you" language and "I" language when you are sharing your feelings? Do you feel defensive when another person states "you make me mad when you…?" In your opinion, how does "I" language enable the person to take responsibility for, and perhaps keep 'power' as it relates to his/her/their feelings?