Question by carledwards99andtonystewart20fan: Why is it that some people use the word ‘you’ rather than I when they feel a certain way about a person’s
actions and habits? Is it that they find it harder to speak ‘from the I’ and state to that person how their actions or habits bother them..or is it easier to attack or insult someone (saying they are wrong rather than whatever they do or say is wrong)

I ask this because 12-step groups I attend to stay in recovery like Adult Children of Alcoholics, Overeaters Anonymous, and Codependents Anonymous encourage members to ‘speak from the I’(owning their feelings) rather than using ‘YOU statements’ which mean that that person IS wrong rather than their ACTIONS being wrong.
To Bev…you sound like there’s something wrong with attending a 12-step group and being a recovering compulsive overeater…what I know is that in MY OWN life, being in recovery, and ‘owning ‘ my feelings,also when I have a problem with someone, focusing on what they are DOING that bothers me or that I don’t understand, instead of telling them ‘You’re wrong’ or ‘You’re(whatever insult people use at the time), is more constructive. I also facilitated a self-help group, and they stress CONSTRUCTIVE help rather than ripping or attacking people verbally. Insults and nastiness are not constructive when trying to help others.

Best answer:

Answer by kimballama
Congratulations for being in a twelve-step program. I am sure you will be much wiser for having done it. Personally I believe you need to own your feelings and be totally honest with yourself and others. Not everyone has been fortunate enough to achieve that yet. Keep going, it will serve you well as is evidenced by your even asking the question.

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