Qualifiers are phrases we use before or after we speak up that are designed to soften what we say. When we’re insecure we can begin or end our statement with qualifiers that are apologetic and submissive. They are designed to diminish what we say, so as to not produce conflict, disagreement, or anything else we perceive as threatening. Some examples are: I’m sorry to put this out there, but… (statement) You’ll probably think this is wrong… (statement) I have an idea. It might not work, but… (statement) I’m sorry, but can I add something?... (statement) (statement)... I don’t know.
...more
