I ONLY SAY THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU How the Way We Talk can Make or Break Family Relationships Throughout Our Lives

With vignettes and examples that will be familiar to everyone, the author explores how the many aspects of caring for one another can get jumbled up when expressed within the confines of language. “Did you see that there is salmon on the menu?” and “You put onions in your dressing?” are messages that seem innocent enough, unless they are asked of someone who has high blood pressure or who makes terrible dressing. She calls the unspoken feelings “the metamessage” and provides a marvelous guide for understanding these messages in marriages and extended families. Tannen’s humility takes nothing away from the importance of these ideas, and her natural speaking rhythm is a delight. T.W. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]