ASSERTIVENESS WORKSHEET

I statements and positive rephrasing

I statements refer to a way of phrasing thoughts or feelings in an assertive, rather than aggressive way.

The basic format for an I statement is:

I feel (or think) ______because ______.

For example:

That’s so unfair! You take her side all the time.

You could say (as a rephrased I statement): I feel overlooked because you haven’t heard my side.

OR you could rephrase as a more positive statement or possible solution: Can we take some time to go over both her side and my side?

Instructions: Rewrite the following statements (if necessary) as a rephrased I statement and a possible solution.

Original statement / Rephrased as I statement / More positive statement or possible solution
You’re always borrowing money.
Don’t be such a bum!!!!
I can’t afford to keep lending you money.
Please don’t ask anymore.
Sure, I don’t mind lending you $10.
(You really can’t afford it though).
My parents never seem to let me have
friends over so I won’t even ask.
You never let me have friends over.
You’re so unfair!
I would really like to have some friends over tonight.
Would that be OK with you?
You only talk to me when I’m
hanging out with the popular crowd.
I could have asked for an extension on
that project but I decided not to.
She borrowed my favorite t-shirt and ruined it.
I’m never talking to her again.
It makes me uncomfortable when you pressure me into making out with you.