The difference between "you hurt me" and "I felt hurt when..." is the difference between a verdict and a door. One puts someone on trial. The other invites them into your experience.
The O and E steps in LOVES — Own and Express — give you the exact language for this. You name what happened, you name what you felt, and you name what you need. No accusation. No defense needed.
Before you keep reading — is there someone you need to tell that they hurt you? What have you been afraid would happen if you did?
Built exactly for this question:
Before you move on — what's one thing that's true for you right now?
"Speaking your hurt is not weakness. It is the invitation for real repair. Without it, nothing can be healed."
Every question, eventually, leads here.
Read the Water-Bearer's Journey →