If you tell her to stop and she’s midstream in speaking, that is going to be seen as rude. Try telling your strong woman that when she’s had her say, you’d like to add your views, and she’s more likely to wonder what’s on your mind. She’ll stop and let you have your turn.
2. “JUST STOP.”
You can’t stop a strong woman, so why try? If she’s in the middle of something, you might want to let her finish. Whether she’s venting her feelings or working overtime on a project, she’s got energy and she’s going to use it. If she’s hard at work, either ask if she wants help or get out of her way.
Even if you think that she should have done things differently, this is certainly not the way to get your point across. It comes off as accusatory, and a strong woman is likely to take a defensive position in response. She had several thoughts on the matter, actually, and now you get to hear all of them.
3. “YOU’RE CRAZY.”
She may be emotional and you might not like it, but she’s not crazy. Strong women speak and act with strength. Interpreting her actions as crazy was an error in judgment on your part.
4. “YOU CAN’T.”
This one might be a good motivator if you need her to do something, because a strong woman will fight to do what she’s been told can’t be done. Just because you think it can’t be done, doesn’t mean that she can’t do it. She’s likely to show you a whole lot of “can do” attitude and back it up with action.
5. “WHY CAN’T YOU BE MORE LIKE __?”
Because she’s a strong individual woman like no other. Quit comparing her to anyone else. Strong women hold themselves to their own standard. She’s not like your old boss, girlfriend, lover, mother, sister, aunt or friend.
A strong woman can change, but she’ll do it for herself, not for you. Never tell her to be someone that she’s not.
6. “GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT.”
Her priorities are on her mind constantly. A strong woman puts first things first. Just because you aren’t her priority right now does not mean that she isn’t focused on what really is most important.
7. “YOU DON’T NEED THAT.”
As if you’ve never bought something just because you wanted it. A strong woman has the right to something that she just wants. She probably even knows exactly to the penny how her budget is able to afford the purchase. Just let her enjoy it and bask in the glow from her smile. Even better, make a note of her preferences and next time get it for her.
8. “YOU ASK TOO MANY QUESTIONS.”
Strong women ask because they have a need to know. Whether it’s to inform her strong opinions or to clarify what you said, never tell her to stop asking questions. She has a mind to learn and telling her to stop won’t limit her inquiring mind.
9. “CALM DOWN.”
It’s like poking an angry bear, throwing gasoline on a fire and pulling the pin on a grenade all at once. If you thought she wasn’t upset before, you haven’t seen anything yet. The strong woman that you just said this to is going to show you some powerful emotions.
Handling this differently is strongly advised. You might try “You seem very passionate about this” or “What do you think we should do about it?” Diverting her energy to focusing on a solution is fine, as long as she’s had time to express herself fully.
Now that you are armed with what never to say to a strong woman, what do you say instead? How about “I love the strong woman that you are. I support you and want to help you accomplish your goals.” That might just leave her speechless.
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