Limiting the Use of Lousy Labels

We sure do like to categorize things. We love to describe things with one or two defining words that we feel accurately, completely, and honestly provide explanations. It's all relative, though. And who are we to say that someone is or is not something? I wonder if feelings would be spared if our comments were started more often with, "I feel that..." or, "If I were to choose one word to describe X, it could be Z."

Here are some very basic examples of negative labeling (cognitive distortions according to professionals):
(1) "That was a bad movie."
(2) "What are you, crazy?"
(3) "The book was too long."
(4) "That's not funny."

I bet that so much goes into stereotyping and categorizing. I feel that less harm could be done if we allowed more and labeled less. I would like to take an active approach towards being less descriptive (and critical) and more accepting.

Once upon a time relatively recently, a friend of mine told someone that they wanted something better than that which was provided. The other person came off as being defensive and angry. Had my friend said, "I would like something different," instead of "better," feelings may not have been hurt.

What he meant, what she heard... sometimes, it's nice not to express yourself at all. Or explain yourself. One may sometimes be misunderstood. One may often be misunderstood. Especially when someone is trying to be funny. Comic delivery is a challenge to some. I admire those who can communicate humor without asking for delivery advice after wards. I'm often found asking people if something I said moments prior was funny or at least worth using again in the future.

More Naughty Examples:

(1) "Those people aren't very smart."
(2) "That author's books are awful."
(3) "He's short."
(4) "You're weird."

It would be nice to use the phrase, "I feel that" and either "some" or "many" in the same sentence when describing something. Less people could be offended. Keeping one's mouth shut is possibly the best way to prevent conflict. There are probably better ways. I mean different ways. That may provide different results. That are better.