Have you ever done this to someone? Have you ever been on the bad end of this? Food for thought… found at this link during a cursory search.
How many times have you said this? A lot. You didn’t even notice, but you said it. It may be said any number of ways:
- Don’t feel that way
- It isn’t that bad
- You shouldn’t worry about it
- It’s not that big of a deal
- Try to relax
- You need to get over it
All of these are saying the same thing: your feelings are wrong, a waste of time.
I believe a lot of this may be from perspective issues. Just because one person doesn’t see things the way another did, doesn’t mean that the other’s perspective means nothing and is worthless. In the article, there are some suggested responses:
Instead of the above responses, try these sincere and sympathetic responses instead:
- I’m sorry you feel that way
- That sounds rough
- I can see why it worries you
- That would frustrate me too
- I understand
- I don’t blame you for feeling that way
A great response is anything that says you understand, you are listening, and they are welcome to tell you more if they need to.
Once again, the link to the whole article is right here.