Respecting a sensitive person’s autonomy is crucial, and it’s important to phrase questions in a way that demonstrates empathy and understanding. Here are some examples of questions that may come across as not respecting a sensitive person’s autonomy:
- Invasive Personal Questions:
- “Why are you so anxious all the time? Can’t you just relax?”
- “Tell me exactly what happened during that traumatic event. I want to know every detail.”
- Unsolicited Advice:
- “You should try this therapy, it worked wonders for my friend.”
- “If I were you, I’d just get over it and move on.”
- Dismissing Their Feelings:
- “You’re overreacting. It’s not that big of a deal.”
- “Stop being so emotional. It’s annoying.”
- Pushing Boundaries:
- “I don’t care if you don’t want to talk about it; I need to know.”
- “You should let me handle this for you. You can’t do it on your own.”
- Stereotyping or Making Assumptions:
- “I know all sensitive people are like this; it’s just how you are.”
- “You must be feeling this way because of your past.”
- Minimizing Their Autonomy:
- “I’ve decided what’s best for you, and you should just trust me.”
- “You don’t really have a say in this matter. I know what’s right.”
- Pressuring for Immediate Responses:
- “You have to make a decision right now. I can’t wait any longer.”
- “Stop stalling and give me an answer.”
It’s essential to approach sensitive topics with sensitivity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and support the individual’s autonomy. Instead of the examples above, consider asking open-ended questions that allow them to express themselves at their own pace and in their own way, while also showing your support and understanding.
Here are some more subtle examples of questions that may come across as not respecting a sensitive person’s autonomy:
- Guilt-Tripping:
- “I thought we were close. Don’t you trust me enough to share your feelings?”
- “If you cared about me, you’d talk to me about what’s bothering you.”
- Offering False Assurances:
- “Don’t worry; I can fix everything for you.”
- “You don’t need to be concerned; I have all the answers.”
- Overanalyzing:
- “I’ve been thinking about your situation, and here’s what you should do.”
- “Let’s dissect your problem together and figure it out.”
- Discrediting Their Experience:
- “You’re just being too sensitive.”
- “I’ve been through worse, and I’m fine. You should be too.”
- Making Light of Their Struggles:
- “Can’t you just snap out of it?”
- “Life’s too short to dwell on these things.”
- Implying Weakness:
- “Strong people don’t let emotions get to them like this.”
- “You should toughen up and deal with it.”
- Assuming Their Needs:
- “I’ve brought you your favorite comfort food; you must be feeling better now.”
- “I made an appointment for you with a therapist; it’s for your own good.”
- Discounting Their Choices:
- “You shouldn’t have done that; I would have chosen differently.”
- “You’re making a big mistake, and I won’t support it.”
- Undermining Their Decisions:
- “Are you sure you want to do that? It’s not the right choice.”
- “Let me explain why your plan won’t work.”
These more subtle examples still infringe upon a sensitive person’s autonomy by diminishing their feelings, choices, and experiences. To respect their autonomy, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings, offer support, and refrain from imposing your own beliefs or judgments on them.
