Do you ever say “Always” or “Never” to a loved one? In relationships, these words act like triggers—putting your partner on the defensive. If you say, “You never load the dishwasher,” their thinking brain shuts down, and their emotions take over. Instead of hearing you, they focus on proving you wrong: “Remember, I did it last Thursday!” Like swearing, “always” and “never” can derail a conversation into conflict. Try softer words like “often” or “sometimes,” or even better, use positive reinforcement: “When you load the dishwasher, I feel cared for. Thank you for considering me.”