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Whether one-on-one or in a group, it can be helpful to express sensitive feelings in the following manner.
For example:
Rather than:
The former method is specific rather than general, so it avoids labels and judgments about the essential character of the other person.
It also avoids blaming the other person for one's own feelings, as would be the case with:
Rather, it merely reports on two events: you interrupted me and I resented it. Perhaps on another occasion, I would not be resentful. Perhaps if I were a more enlightened person, I would not be resentful. But in this instance, I am resentful and I want you to know it.
This approach does not necessarily aim for conflict resolution. Rather, it merely aims to clarify what is happening in a relationship, based on the hope that such understanding will foster improved relationships in the future.
The same approach can be used with other nagative emotions, such as irritation and anger, as well as positive emotions, such as appreciation.
