7 Argument Strategies to Avoid
The farmer’s son told his sister that she was dumb for not understanding arithmetic, and walked away without answering her question. The farmer who’d overheard the conversation, comforted his daughter, instructing his son to write an apology, and nail it to the mahogany fence outside. The words did not come easy, and the wood was difficult to penetrate, but the son did what his father asked.
Over the next couple years, the farmer continued this tradition, instructing his son to nail an apology to the fence each time he said something hurtful. As the years past, the son found himself adding fewer apologies. On the day of the son’s thirteenth birthday, the farmer caught him yelling at his sister, and asked him to meet him by the fence. The son wrote an apology, and waited as he was instructed.
The farmer approached his son, telling him he had become a man, and that he could now remove the previous notes and start anew. The farmer sat down on an old log, as the son went to work. When he finished, the father walked along the fence, which now had many scars. He put his hand on his son’s shoulder, and spoke gently.
“Every time you say words of hate, it’s like driving a nail into your bond with that person,” explained the farmer. “The nails may rust and fall out. Your actions may wither and be forgotten. However, the scars will always remain.”
The easiest way to avoid hurting those you love, is to avoid saying unkind words. There are several common phrases used in heated arguments that do more harm than you could possibly imagine. This is what I call the Argument Blacklist:
1. “Everybody cheats. So, get over it!” When we’re caught doing wrong, particularly men, one of our first responses is denial. When his actions are proven without a doubt, his next defense is to pass it off as not being a big deal. If it is important enough to your partner, it should also be important to you.
2. “Blah blah… Relax.” When we belittle somebody’s feelings, by telling them that they have no right to be upset, we are telling them they are not important. We are saying that what matters to them, does not necessarily matter to us. It is easier to tell someone that they are being unreasonable, then to face their accusation. Listen, understand, and have empathy. There is no such thing as a problem that is too small, if it’s important to your partner.
3. “I’m walking out this door, and you’re never going to see me again. Well, are you going to stop me?” When we test our partner’s love by threatening to leave, several things are going on behind the scenes. One, we are seeing how easy it would be for them to let us go. This shows a lack of confidence. Two, we are positioning ourselves in a place of power, by holding something over the relationship, we assume our partner does not want to give up. Save the breakup card until you’re ready to use it. Otherwise, your lover might (rightfully) call you on your threat, and watch you walk away.
“People we attract into our life are reflections of who we are, therefore become first what it is you want to attract.” – Rivers ext. 5273
4. “So, I had sex with your best friend? You cheated on your math test in third grade.” The idea of this argument strategy is to bring up a past indiscretion of your partner, to take the heat off the misconduct you’ve been accused of. The problem is, we shouldn’t keep score in relationships. What has happened in the past is done, and should not be brought up again. If you have done your partner wrong. Don’t make excuses. Admit what you’ve done, tell them how you plan to making things right, and promise you’ll never hurt them the same way again.
5. “You knew I was a jerk when you met me!” Part of being in a relationship, is trusting our partner will work to improve themselves along with the relationship. We should never feel like we have to change to meet someone’s expectations. However, we should be willing to compromise to meet our partners needs when the situation calls for it. By saying that you’ve been immature in the past, does not give you an excuse to continue the same actions. Good relationships are expected to grow, and our ability to mature along with them is imperative.
6. “That’s it, I’m done.” It’s easy to get frustrated in a heated debate. However, if you dismiss a problem, refusing to talk about it, it will remain a weak spot in the relationship. If you absolutely need time out from the discussion, tell your partner you can’t talk anymore, but that you will rejoin the conversation later. Give them a rain check for a specific time and day, so they know you are not just dismissing their feelings.
7. “You’re a (fill in the blank).” Name calling made us feel better as a kid, and some adults never grow out of it. Instead of feeling like you have to defend yourself when your partner calls you out on a weakness, listen to what they have to say. They just may have some advice to make both your lives easier.
“When you look in the mirror and you see what you see…if you were to be looking at what you see in the mirror, would YOU want you?” – Amelia ext. 9772
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20 thoughts on “Oh No You DIDN’T: 7 Forbidden Arguments”
Awesome article with tools to empower us to address relationship issues in other ways so our words have an impact that does not bring pain nor regret. Thank you!
Angel hugs,
Merry
PS A keeper, to share….
i really enjoyed the story and it always rings so true .i,ve been in more thanone posstion as u spoke about it has ruined 4 marriages with my heart always broken,from a man i thought loved me,but he really only loved hisself,i,m single now and i,m getting some of my self esteem back thrugh therapy it helps i hope this helps others with this advice n o one needs to be treated like that thank you so much it sure gave me something to thank about god bless
Very informative article thank you.
I was a victim in such verbal and mental abuse and regardless of how much you forgive and how hard you try to forget, you spirit just don’t let go of the pain and the scars which then becomes a constant reminder for as long as you both remain together.
Thank you keep on the good work
Yes, people do say things like that. The day I filed for divorce, after 31.5 yrs, and my husband saying to me that I needed to find a man who wanted to spend time with me and make me happy, I realized then he had someone else. For a short time he was ecstatic, until he found out just how much of his oh, so precious money he would stand to loose to be with his little homewrecker. He has now also lost the respect of his children and many of his sideline customers (she is so jealous and suspicious, she accompanies him on jobs!!!) God will get him in the end.
i luv dat.the article is real
go natalia!!!
So true. I was in a 24 year marriage that was filled with abuse(physical, verbal and psychological). In our marriage, all 7 forbidden arguments constantly occurred. I did #3 by threatening to leave someday; after 24 years, I finally did leave to save myself. These forbidden arguments were ingrained in all of our conversations. My self esteem and feelings were constantly stomped on throughout my marriage. We could have used this information, but my ex would have never identified with the forbidden conversations. Thank you for the article. It is never too late to improve yourself for you.
I am a victim of verbal abuse and it hurts everyday. The first chance you get to think about things happening in your life, you start to reflect back on all the negetive comments and name calling, that makes you angry and become depress. The immediate suffering after being called names is one than can hurt immesely and carry more scars than being tied to a car that is driving and puling you on the ground.
Something I’ve always want to learn…. Eric you make sense…. The farmer and the son’s parable is cool enough for the wise…..
Very sad my relationship has a lot of these bad things happening ,makes me wonder if I should stay ! I know I deserve better..;(
What if you say sometimes something and you are thruly sorrybut your partner will never vorgive or vorgite what can you do then.
thats a great parable. The truth is, out’of the abundance of d heart, the mouth speaketh.
Dear Sati,
the answer is yes…..and unfortunately, all too often.
Fabulous article, especially the beginning with the farmer and his son.
Verbal abuse stays, regardless of the apologies that may accompany the words later. It has a way of festering and fueling negative self talk within the victim, which can cause years of self esteem issues.
Unfortunately, those who lash out, rarely understand the impact of their words. Awareness is half the battle. Take heed and begin respecting one another.
Awesome,Thank You
Very good points! Once hurtful words are spoken, they surely cannot be taken back and are difficult to forget!
Bottom line: relationships and marriage are not for the proud, leave your ego at the door for true intimacy.
Hi Eric,
Fantastic article…..and all so true !!!!
I especially got a kick out of # 3…..
…never, ever, whether it’s in a personal relationship OR a business relationship, give an ultimatum you aren’t ready to back up and follow thru on. Otherwise the other person will know you are just ” crying wolf ” the next time around. AND if you don’t follow thru, you’ve just given your power away to the other person.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
ps…. Eric, you switched your writing style a bit…..I liked the story at the beginning of this article.
This is the best lesson I’ve ever heard of, it should be a staple in all areas of relationships, through church, school and home. Thanks for the insight.
Do people really say things like this?