Guidelines For Expressing Feelings

Recognizing and then expressing feelings is key to a balanced life.

Here are some guidelines:

1. Expressing feelings begins with an “I statement” --keeping the focus on me.
2. Formula: “I feel ____ (adjective follows: happy, sad, embarrassed, elated, etc.) about...”
3. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, good nor bad, they just are.
4. Saying, “I feel THAT...,” is probably not expressing a feeling.
5. If I can substitute “I think” for “I feel,” then I am expressing a thought.

Expressing our feelings allows us to share our needs without needing to judge another. We can help others understand our unique perceptions and requirements.