Questions as Criticism

[Affirmations - VII]

Questions are often veiled criticisms. If you’re truly wanting to learn, there’s likely an alternative statement—one that unlocks honest insights without hurting someone.

Here are a few examples:

Why are you so offended?
(I’d love to hear your story.)

How can you think that?
(Tell us your sense; teach us your creative way.)

Why are you so distracted?
(Share with me your dreams.)

What are we going to do with all that energy?
(Let’s build something, fix something, create something.)

Why are you so angry?
(Tell me about your hurts or fears.)

Why don’t you understand?
(Teach us your way of seeing it.)

What’s your problem?
(What’s your passion or conviction or concern?)

Find ways to learn and affirm. They don’t have to be at odds.