These Phrases Make You Sound Like a Passive Aggressive Jerk

Plus, How to Avoid Transferring Anxiety and Stress to a Child [Fatherly_Seahorse]( Every marriage has its hurdles. Communicating properly when things don’t work out is essential to avoiding future speed bumps down the road. However, it’s common to mask your feelings with passive aggression. While we convince ourselves that we’re taking the high road, we express our anger and displeasure covertly, saying one thing and meaning another. This obviously does nothing to solve the problem and only creates more resentment. It’s a hard habit to break. But it’s important that you try. RELATIONSHIPS [23passive-aggressive-couple-2]( [How to Put an End to Passive Aggressive Behavior in Your Relationship]( [This is how to stop the cycle.]( [READ THE STORY]( TIPS AND TRICKS 3 Phrases That Make You Sound Like a Passive Aggressive Jerk 1. “I don’t mean to be rude…” If you preface a statement with this qualifier, you’re being rude. It’s a defense tactic designed to offset the rude remark and put the ball in the other person’s court. That way, if they’re offended by what you said, you’ve given yourself an out. “It means you are knowingly being rude but want to take away the other person’s right to respond accordingly,” says leadership coach and author Suzanne Wylde. “Reconsider saying anything at all, or if you need to then find a way to say it respectfully.” 2. “That was a surprisingly good decision…” Adding “surprisingly” or “shockingly,” or anything in that vein immediately turns a positive sentiment into a backhanded compliment. This creates confusion and conflict in the person to whom you’re speaking and will only undermine any good intentions you may have had. 3. “If that’s what you want to do…” This is a dangerous one, as it opens the person you’re speaking to to entrapment. They might think that you’re giving them permission to do what they want to do, but the reality is far different. “The first word in the sentence really shows a connotation of disagreement,” says Keischa Pruden, a licensed therapist in North Carolina. “Instead say, ‘I don’t agree with your decision, but I will go along with it.’ Another option is, ‘I really don’t want to do that. Can we do X instead?’” Here are some more [passive aggressive phrases to be on the lookout for.]( WELL MADE [23trail-2650-hiking-shoe]( [Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe by Danner]( This Danner Trail 2650 is rugged and sporty enough to wear with jeans or pants, and comfy enough that you'll keep reaching for them. They also happen to be a very solid pair of trail shoes for any day-long trip you have in mind. Just check the weather first — these aren't waterproof. [BUY NOW]( PARENTING [23transferring-anxiety-stress-child]( [How to Avoid Transferring Anxiety and Stress to a Child]( [Kids don’t need to be afraid of bugs, bills, or pandemics, even if parents are.]( [READ THE STORY]( TIPS AND TRICKS The Four-Pronged Approach to Vanquishing Toddler Fears Kids brains amplify fear and anxiety while failing to differentiate the real from the realistic. Understanding these steps can help you calm them properly. - Figure out what’s a passing fear and what is an ongoing anxiety by looking for illogic. Start a conversation about generalized anxieties as quickly as possible. - Create a calm environment by embracing routine and, when routine is suddenly broken, reacting in the most pacific way possible. - Teach kids to manage their reactions through deep breathing and the mental discipline of going to a “happy place.” - Consider exposing kids to the things that make them nervous in a controlled environment so they can acclimatize. Here’s what else you should know about [addressing a toddler’s fears.]( FURTHER READING - [10 Breathing Exercises to Help Calm Kids]( - ​​​​​[How to Ask What Kids Are Feeling During Stressful Times]( - [How to Teach ‘Stranger Danger’ With Facts Instead of Fear]( WHAT IF…? [23marvel-what-if]( [Should You Watch Marvel’s ‘What If?’ with the Kids?]( [Here's the good, the bad and the weird about Marvel's new animated series.]( [READ THE STORY]( [bottomquote-psd] What If? isn’t a kids’ show by any stretch of the imagination. ...the series feels like a living comic book, which means it’s a mixed bag. [bottomquote-psd] TALK TO US Have a question? Comment? Want to tell us a no-good terrible story? Or a helpful parenting tip? We want to hear from you (and yes, we may publish your response in an article or forthcoming newsletter). Send your thoughts to [hello@fatherly.com](mailto:hello@fatherly.com?subject=Fatherly%20Newsletter%20Feedback). [FATHERLY_LOGO]( [FB]( [IG]( [Twitter]( [View this email in your browser]( Some Spider Studios 20 W 22nd St Floor 3 New York, NY 10010-5858 You can [manage your preferences or unsubscribe]( here. Copyright © 2021 Some Spider, All rights reserved. [Link](