What is the purpose of using 'I' statements during conflict communication?

Using 'I' statements during conflict communication serves the crucial purpose of expressing personal feelings without coming across as accusatory. This method helps articulate how a situation affects the speaker personally, fostering a more constructive dialogue. By framing thoughts or feelings in a way that focuses on the speaker's own experiences—such as "I feel upset when..."—the communication becomes less confrontational. This approach encourages empathetic responses from the other party, reducing the likelihood of defensiveness and promoting a more open exchange of perspectives.

In contrast, blaming others, dominating the conversation, or creating confusion typically leads to escalated conflict or breakdowns in communication. 'I' statements strategically shift the focus from the other person's behavior to the speaker's feelings, creating a safer environment for discussion and resolution.