21/02/2023
Black and white thinking is the opposite of dialectical thinking and keeps us from living in reality. Some examples of black and white thinking are “Unless I’m perfect then I’m a complete failure.” Or “I’m angry with them right now so they’re a bad person.” Here are some tips to move towards thinking dialectically:
1) Instead of “either-or” thinking, try to use “both-and” thinking.
2) Avoid using extreme words like always, never, you make me, etc.
3) Know that opposites can be true at the same time. “I’m doing the best I can and I can work harder to change.”
4) Use “I feel…” statements instead of “you” statements.
5) Practice looking at all sides to a situation and all points of view.