Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Are You "Shoulding On" Other People? Are Others "Shoulding" On You? Here's What You Can Do!

Going back to the classroom a bit--this is a favorite lesson/discussion that my students and I have in our Interpersonal class. Useful for in college and out!

I have a confession to make.

I'm a worrier.

For those who know me, this is not new information. When I tell my students, however, they appear  surprised.

I present myself as confident and self-assured, and in many areas of my life, I am.

However, like most worriers, when I have time and energy to spare, I often "What if...?" myself like crazy. It's far from productive, I know.

(Can anyone else relate? Any other "What if'ers?" out there??? I can't possibly be alone. Hmm... maybe now I'll worry about if I am alone...)

At times, when I tell others about what is worrying me, depending on what I'm sharing, the well-intentioned response is:

-"You shouldn't feel that way" 
-"You shouldn't be concerned about that."

The tone around the phrase is not condescending, but rather a supportive "There, there now..."



So, I'm totally kidding about the smoke...

...and about magically feeling better.


In, essence, I've just been "should on."

I don't like it when other people "should on" me!

(Wonderful readers, can I digress for one moment and ask you to just say that real quick? "Don't should on me!" It feels sooooo good! Like you're saying a bad word, but you're not really saying a bad word... Okay. I'm done now.)

In my Interpersonal Communication and Intro to Communication classes, my students and I discuss the "fallacy of should" every term. Aside from students loving the fun "sounds-like-a-bad-word-but-isn't" statement, we discuss the underlying messages that a "receiver" could take away from a phrase that includes "should"... (and remember, this is after the "sender" probably shared a feeling or concern that they have, so the person is already vulnerable):

-My feelings don't matter
-My feelings are not valid
-My feelings are ridiculous
-I am being judged
-My communication partner isn't interested in delving deeper to find out my true feelings

(Anyone have any others? Please comment!)

I confess that there are times I'm tempted to "should on" others, too.

Like a fine chocolate, "You should..." rolls around the tongue so smoothly! I am usually well-intentioned when I have these "near-shoulds" because I am truly incredulous that another person feels a particular way. 

Case in point:  Sometimes, students are worried about extra credit when they clearly don't need it.

I have to catch myself from saying, "You shouldn't worry about your grade. You're doing fine!"


My temptation? To say, "You shouldn't be concerned about that. Look at how well your last speech went."


So what's the communication lesson here?
When a person tells you something that is bothering/concerning/worrying them, deal with what the person's feelings are, not what you believe they should be.

Ask open-ended questions:

-"Why do you feel that way?"
-"What's making you/leading you to feel that way?"
-"How can I help you feel better?"
-"Is there a way that I can help?"

Allow me to apply a "do-over" to the statements above:


Me:  "What is it about your grade that is concerning you?" or "Is there an upcoming assignment that you're worried about? Let's talk about how to maximize your points there."


Me:  "Can you tell me why you're concerned? Are you worried about finding credible sources? Was there something about your delivery you want to change?" or, simply, "You did beautifully on the last speech. I have no doubt that if you repeat the process, you're going to do beautifully once again. I'm glad to listen if you have some specific concerns or if there are ways that I can help."

Once your communication partner shares their real feelings, listen to them and respond to what they are saying. You can continue to ask questions, if you feel it is appropriate. Don't sneak in a "should" later in the conversation, though. It will have the same negative effect and possibly shut the person down from saying more.

By now you may be thinking, "I don't should on others, but, boy, do they 'should on' me! What do I do?"

Tell the person straight out, "I appreciate your confidence in me. This situation is really bothering me, though, and I be glad to hear some advice." You can also ask the person if they will simply listen so you can vent.


"I'm already judging myself all over the place about these feelings. I realize you are trying to help make me feel better. I'd be open to some actual suggestions or even to you just listening."

Remember, you can't get your needs met from a communication partner if you don't assert those needs specifically and directly. People can't read our minds! Of course, some people don't have the capacity to refrain from judgment and will always "should" on you. You learn quickly that those are not your "go to" people when you have a problem.

One other quick note:  Make sure the tone of what you do say matches your sincere, open-ended questions. If your inflection sounds negative, the person won't hear what you're actually saying--they'll take away those negative feelings of "should" because that's the message your tone is sending.

Give this communication strategy a try, whether you are a habitual "should-er" or are the recipient of same. I'd love it if you'd comment and report back on how it went! (No disclosure of the actual situation necessary!).

It's just not nice to "should on" others or to have others "should on" us.

(I had to get it in one last time. Seriously... say it just for fun. There is quite a satisfaction there!).


  1. OK, this is fantastic. I have gotten "should on" as much as the next guy, but I also get a lot of "should" in disguise. Instead of "you shouldn't worry about that," I get, "You have nothing to worry about." Well, that may be true, but whether I'm entitled to my irrational worry is not the point. The point is, I'm worried.

    Also, what I've noticed, is that people who like "shoulding" on me are usually people who don't know me that well. (My friends are much smarter about dealing with my worry. Friends don't should on friends.)

    Next time this happens, I'm all for telling someone they just need to listen to me. Great tips here. :)


  2. I loved how much you used the phrase "should on", first and foremost. It feels good, doesn't it? I totally agree that sometimes "should" comes in other disguised forms. But we always know the true message underneath. I would love to hear about how it goes when you make the direct request :-). Ellen