It may seem tedious to slow down communication like this. And it is, indeed, slow going to use this technique. However, using “I create” sentences, a pair intent on heart-felt communication can wend its way carefully through the subject at hand. When we really need to hear each other, it is a very helpful technique. In beginning each sentence with “I,” the two communicators are kept from accusing each other, as in “You did this” or “You said that.” If we need to share a concern with another, we can say, “I feel badly about something I thought you said. This is what I thought I heard.” Then we can share our tender feelings and find out if we heard the other person correctly without accusing the other person or separating him from us in our hearts.
I feel badly about something I thought you said. This is what I thought I heard:
I created a monster.
I create respect for the monster I perceive, and I am sorry that you feel bad about what I consider a compliment.
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