October 13, 2009PowerPhrase: that sounds like something my mother would say
“Roy” was highlighting the parts of his notes he wanted to emphasize in his presentation. He was marking so much that Carla commented,
- Why don’t you just highlight what you DON’T want to emphasize?
Roy replied,
- That sounds like something my mother would say.
I confess, I was also noticing that he was highlighting almost everything, and was glad I hadn’t been the one to make the comment.
Roy’s tone was very light and sweet – in no way chastising. And yet his message was clear. I feel quite certain Carla won’t mother him again. And I never will.
It’s subtle, but vital to understand how our words can come across as paternal. I wrote about my own parental language when I asked my hubby if he was sure he wanted to eat the pizza. He and I are slowly becoming aware of ways we relate as parents, children and counselors to each other to the detriment of our loving interaction. Catching comments like this one is part of that awareness.
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