When I am hurt, it’s tempting to lash out. I may want to tell the person who hurt me how bad I feel, or why they are wrong. But there’s another option. When I simply say Ouch, I am communicating a big fat bundle of information without shame or blame. I am saying I am hurt. I am letting them know that something they did or said has elicited this reaction in me. And I am not lashing out. Perfect!
