If You Don’t Have Something Nice to Say…

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“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it!”
- My mother

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I never completely bought this idea…Somehow it seemed my mother always said it when she was mad at me and wanted to shut me up!  But maybe that was a youthful interpretation – for the real thought is ‘be respectful at all times.’  And that is just plain good advice.

In my couples course I talk about respect and how each person must hold him or herself to a high standard in terms of treating a partner with respect.  Think about the last 48 hours - were you completely respectful?  Even when you were upset?  If not, think about how you might have been able to do better.  It will help your relationship!  And, to clarify MY take on Mom's advice...  You can (and should) say things that are difficult even if you aren't in agreement with your partner.  Better to air it than to let it fester.  Just always do it respectfully.

© 2013 Melissa Orlov