Murphy rules of engagement...

I was thinking about our house rules of engagement for arguing and debate last night. (as we were having a debate and I was explaining the rules to another person). they have worked quite well in the last 7 years. So I have decided to write them down for the first time..

Phrases and words banned from arguments and debate..


1) "Never" (as in "you never...", etc. Absolutes are unfair and %99 of the time untrue)
2) "Always" (see above)
3) "Wrong" (as in "you're wrong")
4) "Right" (as in "I am right")
5) "Break up", "divorce," (as in "well I guess we might as well just give up/divorce/break up ect.)
6) "Can't" (i.e. "you can't" , " I can't" etc.)
7)"you Make me" (i.e. "you make me feel", "You make me do" {you are your own desicion factory)
8) "You are.." (i.e. "you are {insert negative conatation here})


I am sure there are more, but these are the big ones that come to mind..

Phrases and words encouraged...


1) "I feel that..." or "I don't feel that"
2) "I want"
3)"I see it as"
4) "I would like"
5) "I don't like"

Etc.