In this episode:

There is a lot of stuff going on in our world right now. This means a lot of opportunities to argue, for people to follow their gut and then make a mistake, for not being prepared enough for financial stress, and for choices that could lead to consequences. In relationships, it's often tempting to say, "I told you so" when someone else messes up. But what if we flipped the script to 4 other little words? I still love you. Whether it’s related to a pandemic, an election, a cause, or a disagreement, we have the opportunity to love. And that’s how we win at relationships.

(Article contains affililate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small comission from that purchase.) Inspired Life In this season where family members are home with one another, plans are canceled and life is different from what we expected, tensions are higher than usual in some families. This series will be short programs to help you with practical tips in everyday life. A trip around social media will make it quite obvious that people are frustrated, angry, disappointed and sad. I’m sad when I read the posts! As I’m working on editing a book for couples that will be coming out later this year, relationships are on my mind. But I’ve realized it isn’t only marriages that need help. Many friendships and parent/child relationships could use some help too! I want to talk about four little words that are oh-so-tempting to say, but can be so destructive in a relationship. I want to say them SO often. Too often. I like to be right. I like to win arguments. I’m not proud of that. Let’s set this up a little. Imagine that you have an adult child. Perhaps this child still lives at home part time. They have a car that cost them all of their savings to purchase. You remind them numerous times that they need to check the oil and take care of it. And one day you get the phone call. “I’m stuck on the side of Interstate 94 in 6 lanes of traffic. My car died and I have about 8 minutes left before my phone dies too.” Freeze frame. This little voice pops up in your mind. You know you’ve been talking about maintenance. You reminded this child recently that leaving without a phone charger makes no sense when there are 42 billion of them on the kitchen counter at home, several in the junk drawer, and yet there is never one in the car. Ok. Back to reality. “What happened?” “I don’t know. It started clanking and then the engine light came on. And now it’s dead.” _________ Even I know the signs of a blown engine. (PS – I made up this story based on a pile of experiences and not one, lest I “out” either of my children and make family enemies.) Now, what are the words that are right there behind your teeth waiting to come out? They have made it from your brain to your throat, to the tip of your tongue and you just want to spit them out. I told you so. Four true but destructive little words that can break a relationship. That child broke down on the side of the road can already hear your voice. The husband who forgot his coffee on the kitchen counter (yes, this one is from real life) for the third time in a week knows he did it again. Aside: (my husband needs to stop putting coffee in the camouflage tumbler!) When you warned someone that their choices were going to land them in deep trouble, sickness, financial hurt, emotional pain, broken heart…they don’t need to hear “I told you so.” Let’s talk about how to turn these 4 little words into something that can be of benefit.

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