Credit: <p>We all remember the scene: whilst sitting in a diner, Meg Ryan's character Sally tries to prove to Billy Crystal's Harry, that it is very easy for women to give the impression they're enjoying sex when they aren't. But that is just one of the famous moments that Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal captured in the 1989 hit film.</p>
As much as we try to avoid confrontation with our partners, the reality is that all couples argue. But there are ways we can work through conflict without resorting to toxic behaviour - and that all starts with eliminating the use of this one little word.
It’s no secret that certain phrases can trigger conflict in relationships, with many citing the worst offender as “I’m sorry if…”.
Unsurprisingly, using the “if” component is problematic in an argument, as it dismisses your partner’s grievances out of turn – and implies that your apology isn’t all that genuine.
However it seems as if there’s a seemingly innocuous word which could prove to be even more toxic than “if” or any four-letter insult – especially if you hurl it at your partner during the heat of the moment.
Yup, you guessed it; it’s “should”. As in, “you should have thought about that in the first place”, or “you should know that already”.
Writing in Psychology Today, Jeffrey Bernstein explained: “We tend to “should” all over our partners. Even if we think we’re only doing so in the privacy of our own minds, it can come out in our tone or actions.
“Thinking should about someone you love, or being on the receiving end of a ‘should,’ creates negative energy and, over time, can be toxic for any relationship, especially a loving one.”
He added that we shouldn’t even use the word in the privacy of our own minds during an argument, as it can create negative energy over time – and causes your relationship to become a toxic one.
So how should we work to combat the classic “shoulda woulda coulda” situation?
With a little clever rephrasing, that’s how.
“Instead of ‘you should know how I feel,’ try [thinking and] saying ‘I would like you to please hear me out on this’,” he said.
“Instead of ‘you shouldn’t bring that up,’ try [thinking and] saying ‘I would like to consider what you are saying. Please let me sit with it for a little while before I respond.’”
Which sounds simple enough on paper, but we imagine may prove to be a little tricky when you’re arguing about why your partner failed to take the bins out – as requested.
“You should have done it when I told you to,” would have to become a slightly less strict-sounding “I would like you to please listen to my diatribe on why good bin etiquette is so very, very important to me.”
However, there’s no denying that taking the time to notice your toxic thoughts – and address them accordingly – would prove positive to your relationship.
If you need a little more help, check out the five words and phrases that trigger conflict in relationships, and trap us in a repetitive cycle which damages our intimacy levels and understanding of one another.
Images: iStock, Columbia Pictures
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