The 2 Words You Never, Ever Want To Say To An Angry Person
When someone is angry, it’s crucial to handle the situation with care. There are certain phrases that can escalate tension instead of calming things down.
One of the worst things you can say to an angry person is, "Calm down."
Why You Should Avoid Saying "Calm Down":1. Invalidates Their Feelings: Telling someone to calm down can feel dismissive, as if their emotions don’t matter. It may make them feel unheard or misunderstood, intensifying their anger.
Feels Patronizing: When a person is already upset, being told to calm down can come across as condescending. This may make them feel belittled or as if their emotions are being trivialized.
Better Alternatives:Instead of saying "calm down," acknowledge their feelings and listen actively.
Phrases like "I understand you’re upset" or "Let’s work through this together" are far more effective in de-escalating the situation.
Being mindful of how you communicate with an angry person can help resolve conflict in a healthier and more productive way.