“I Feel Like”: This Has to Stop
11th July 2015
This phrase is almost never used to describe one’s feelings. It is almost exclusively used to describe an opinion. “I feel like that would look better in blue.” “I feel like the Republicans hate poor people.” “I feel like we should have a media strategy instead of a product strategy.” It is used when there is the slightest hint of disagreement, or any opinion is expressed that the speaker is uncertain about. In either case, it is used as a verbal softening: a way to have an opinion without having an opinion. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, I just feel like you’re wrong.” You can question my idea, but you can’t question my feelings.
July 11th, 2015 at 10:39
Adults should know that feelings are imagination, and the voices in your head are thinking.
July 11th, 2015 at 10:43
Oh, are we talking about things that adults should know? I have a list….