 JOLEENE
WOUK, PhD
Spiritual Teacher
Certified Conflict
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What Never To Say In An Argument
When you're in
the middle of a heated argument with your partner, it's possible
that one of you will blurt out something you will regret later.
But there are some things that can be too damaging to the
relationship and should never be said. AOL Health spoke to
sex and relationship expert, Elina Furman, to find out what you
should never say.
I give up.
Intense arguments with your partner may make you
want to throw up your hands in defeat, but storming off doesn't
help the issue get resolved. Even worse, it can be detrimental
to the relationship. "By avoiding [the conversation], you're
saying their feelings don't matter," says Furman. "That can be
very hurtful."
I want out of this relationship.
"People say this because they want their partner
to understand the enormity of the issue," says Furman. "But in
the end, it backfires. Your partner is going to feel like you're
very flippant and casual about the relationship." Empty threats
like these say that you're not really committed and aren't
willing to work out your issues to remain together.
I hate your
Invoking this caustic remark during an argument
can only make matters worse, especially when it's followed by
"father" or "mother." "That puts your partner into a very
difficult situation," says Furman. "Even if you dislike [his or
her family], there are more constructive ways of getting your
point across and ways you can work together and rectify
problems." After all, family is around forever, so if you create
a divisive situation, be prepared for it to follow you around
for the long haul.
You're such a
Calling your significant other a derogatory term
in the heat of an argument isn't okay, no matter what it is.
"Everyone's been there," says Furman. "But you should never call
each other names. It puts the relationship at a very hostile
level." Even if you've grown up using insulting remarks during
fights with siblings or friends, or overheard your parents doing
the same, doesn't mean it's okay to unleash them on your
significant other, no matter how harmless you may think they
are. "When you're calling people names, you never know when
you'll hit upon a raw nerve," says Furman. When you call someone
stupid or dumb, it may seem innocuous to you, but it might make
them think that they're not bright or intelligent enough for
you, says Furman.
It's just like the time you
"We all have information about each other that we
can use whenever we want," says Furman. "It's all about pushing
each other's buttons." When you constantly bring up past
transgressions, you're telling your partner that you're not
ready to move on. "Your partner doesn't want to relive the same
fight for the next 50 years," says Furman. The result? You may
end up pushing them away for good.
If you were a better parent
Attacking your partner's parenting skills shows
that you don't trust him or her to parent, says Furman. "Saying
you're a bad mom or a bad dad is almost taboo," she says.
"People do it because they're frustrated, but it's important not
to bring their skills as a parent into question unless you feel
they're endangering your child."
Maybe if you were more successful
Cutting someone down about their career in the
midst of an argument can make an already stressful situation
even worse, especially in this economic climate. If you make
your partner feel like they're not successful enough, you're
implying that you have no faith in them as a provider, says
Furman. Constantly questioning your significant other's
abilities instead of giving support will eventually make them
doubt whether you're a good partner and question if they should
continue with the relationship, she adds.
Maybe if you resembled the person I married
Insulting each other's appearances is a definite
no-no. If you make negative comments about your partner's looks
or weight, you're planting the impression that you find them
unattractive, and that's hard to get over. Not only can it
really play havoc with their self-esteem, but it can affect your
sex life. "It's important for your partner to feel desirable,"
says Furman . And deriding them about their appearance is going
to create an intense insecurity that won't make them want to
jump in the sack with you.
You never
You never help me clean up, or you never let me
go out with my friends. Whatever the case may be, constantly
harping on something your significant other "never" does isn't
going to solve any problems. "Never is a very bad word," says
Furman. "It just makes people think, 'Well, if I never do it,
why should I ever start?'" Instead of slinging the phrase "you
never …
" at your partner, which Furman says can sound "whiny," try
saying, "I would like it if you could do more of this," she
suggests.
You don't love me.
By telling your partner that they don't love or
care about you, you're forcing them to play to your own
insecurities. "It comes off as needy and demanding," says
Furman. It's an attention-getter and can be a turnoff, she adds.
"But if you do have doubts about how they feel, it's important
to talk about that in a non-combative environment so you can get
to the bottom of your issues."
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