Why “I Took That Personally” Is a Problematic Phrase in Today’s World
With the power of communication at our fingertips, people are constantly interacting with others. However, this vast communication network opens the door to many problems, particularly when it comes to language. Words hold a deeper meaning than their surface level and phrases, such as “I took that personally,” can cause negative impacts on both the speaker and the listener. This phrase is problematic because it can lead to personalizing criticism, reducing self-accountability, and fueling unhealthy communication patterns.
Personalizing Criticism
When someone says, “I took that personally,” it may be a sign of personalizing a criticism. Personalizing a criticism occurs when the person hearing the criticism assumes the critique to be an attack on their personal identity. This then leads to a defensiveness that can interrupt communication and result in negative relationships. When people use “I took that personally,” in response to criticism, they hold back from evaluating the feedback constructively, which can hamper their personal growth. Therefore, when people cling to this phrase, they often end up hindering their own progress.
Reducing Self-Accountability
“I took that personally” can also reduce self-accountability, making it easier for people to blame others for their problems. This phrase also negates the possibility of receiving constructive feedback. Instead, the speaker often listens selectively and only weighs the feedback that aligns with their self-perception. When people do not take accountability, they miss out on learning and growing from others’ feedback, which can hold them back professionally and personally.
Fueling Unhealthy Communication
“I took that personally” can create a communication pattern that is unhealthy because it encourages perpetuating negative feedback loops. When people assume that a critique is an attack on their identity, they often respond with defensiveness and counter-attacks. This pattern of communication is unproductive because it remains focused on blame and shame, rather than solutions. This type of communication pattern may further deteriorate relationships and cause conflict.
Conclusion
“I took that personally” is a problematic phrase that can have negative impacts on individuals and their relationships. When people personalize criticism, reduce self-accountability, and fuel unhealthy communication patterns, they put their personal and professional growth on hold. By avoiding these pitfalls, individuals can constructively receive feedback, remain accountable, and foster healthy communication patterns that ultimately drive positive change in themselves and their social circles.
