this is gonna sound like a shitpost but the best advice i have if youre consistently coming off wrong is to start talking like an elcor
you will feel like a dumdum at first, but once you get used to it youll realize that telling people what kind of thing you're about to say ahead of time flattens their anxiety a huge amount
ive been starting every question with "question:" for awhile now and i almost never get people reading too much into what i mean anymore
it seems super dumb, but "what are your plans tomorrow?" gets people asking me what i have planned despite me obviously being in the process of figuring that out, whereas "question: what are your plans tomorrow?" gets me a quick rundown of their schedule, followed by "why?"
it also makes it really easy to work tone indicators into your verbal speech. if you're always saying "question: [your question here]?" then no one blinks when you say "genuine question: [question that could read as sarcastic]?"
it also gets you out of your own way for any types of things you struggle to say. "can you make sure to do the dishes before you go to bed?" feels like an argument waiting to happen, but "request: can you make sure to do the dishes before you go to bed?" gets the words flowing on a neutral word while making it clear that you're not looking for a fight
so yeah. suggestion: talk like an elcor
i said "suggestion for you if you havent thought of it:" today so im reblogging this
Useful addition: "this is not a guilt trip or moral judgement, just checking facts: have you done the dishes".
Or "Just checking if I need to, have you done the dishes today"
Or "please do the dishes, Im not upset I just need a plate".
Being clear about your intentions this way also heads off RSD or trauma-type anxiety, guilt, frustration, demand-avoidance, fear, etc.
Another phrasing useful for when you are emotional is "Im definitely frustrated, but Im not frustrated at you because I know you're doing your best."
Of course it only really works if you genuinely mean it.
you get me
Genuine delight: elcor my beloved