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Lighten Up - Why This Phrase Damages Relationships

 Examples:

Lighten up. Life’s not that serious.

Lighten up. I was only kidding.

 Explanation:

When someone is being overly “serious” at least according to you, what are the chances that telling the person to “lighten up” is going to make a difference? Almost none. When you say this, it comes across as insensitive, and lecturing, because you are ordering someone to feel differently. It just doesn’t work.

Even worse, the second example is often used as a way to put the responsibility for hurt feelings on the person who’s feelings are hurt, while you abdicate any responsibility. You put yourself in a bad light.

The kicker is that this phrase tells the person, “what you are feeling is wrong”. That tends to cause the other person to shut down, and stop sharing his or her feelings.

 Make It Better:

I’m sorry if my joke offended you. I didn’t realize that would happen.

I can see this could be a sensitive point for you.

Is this situation really as bad as you might think right now? What’s the worst that can happen? 

About The Author

Robert's books have sold over 300 thousand copies worldwide, and have been translated into Chinese, French, German and Japanese.

He holds a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology, and has taught clinical and counselling psychology at the college level.

You can browse his Amazon Author page by clicking the graphic above.

Fun Endorsements

JLo signing Imperfect Phrases For Better Relationships by Robert Bacal

Just Jenny from the block signing at the International Conference: Shut Your Trap, Listen, And Have The Relationship You Want

About Company

Bacal & Associates is a small training, consulting and publishing company specializing in government. Founded in 1992, we have been serving government training and consulting needs for 22 years. We focus on customer service, communication, performance management, and other management challenges within the public sector.

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