I Statements

I statements

It's always best to use words when you are having a problem with someone else, rather than "silence or violence" - stopping talking to the person or saying harsh things to them or doing something physical.

It's also much better to talk with the person you are having the problem with, instead of stirring up drama by talking to your other friends about the person.

Try using an I statement: describe what has happened and how it has affected you, then make a request of the other person.

Sometimes it helps to write your I Statement down, so that you have time and space to think about it. You could do that just to practise before you say it out loud to the person, or you could send your I Statement as a message to the person, inviting them to talk more about the problem together. You could ask a teacher or student Bridge Builder to help the two of you have the chat safely.

Remember, keep your I Statement kind - it's meant to help explain how you are feeling about something, not as a way of attacking another person.