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11d • Relational Health 💕
❤️ Logical Fallacies in Relationships and How to Address Them
Last week we did a general overview of some of the logical fallacies---these are sneaky thinking errors that can derail conversations and stop individuals from understanding each other. They can also derail our own ability to think clearly about a situation and add to suffering.
Conflict (differing views) is normal in relationships, but sometimes arguments go in circles because of logical fallacies. Below we cover some of the more common fallacies as they occur in relationships and also HOW to address these in healthier ways! :)
***The little infographic at the end is a little cheatsheet for those who would want to use it/have a visual reminder****
✨ Common Fallacies in Relationships:
- 🎯 Straw Man: Twisting what your partner said. Example: “So you’re saying I never do anything right?” when they only mentioned forgetting the dishes.
- 👥 Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of the issue.Example: “You’re too sensitive, that’s why this is a problem.”
- ⚖️ False Dilemma: Acting like there are only two choices.Example: “Either we move in together now or you don’t really love me.”
- 🔄 Circular Reasoning: Using the conclusion as the reason.Example: “I’m right because I know I’m right.”
- 📊 Hasty Generalization: Exaggerating from one mistake.Example: “You forgot date night once, you clearly don’t care about me at all.”
- 🧲 Appeal to Emotion: Trying to win with guilt or fear instead of logic.Example: “If you loved me, you’d agree with me.”
💡 Why it matters:When fallacies sneak in, the real issues get buried under defensiveness and blame. Recognizing them gives space for empathy, clarity, and compromise.
👉Question to ponder: Which of these fallacies (if any) do you catch yourself or others using in relationships?
🌱 HOW TO CHANGE THESE TO ENGAGE IN HEALTHIER COMMUNICATION
Recognizing logical fallacies is the first step, but replacing them with healthier communication makes all the difference. Here’s how to shift some of these. :)
✨ Healthy Replacements for Fallacies:
- 🎯 Instead of Straw Man → Practice Active Listening; Repeat back what you heard to check accuracy: “So you’re saying you’d like more help with chores, right?”
- 👥 Instead of Ad Hominem → Address the Issue, Not the Person; Focus on behavior: “When the trash isn’t taken out, I feel frustrated.”
- ⚖️ Instead of False Dilemma → Explore Middle Ground; Look for creative options: “What if we try living separately for now but spend weekends together?”
- 🔄 Instead of Circular Reasoning → Share Evidence or Examples; Back up your view with concrete reasons: “I think this is a good plan because it worked for us last month.”
- 📊 Instead of Hasty Generalization → Acknowledge the Exception; Stay specific: “You forgot last night, but usually you’re thoughtful about our plans.”
- 🧲 Instead of Appeal to Emotion → Use Honest, Clear Requests“I feel anxious when we don’t talk things through. Can we sit down and plan together?”
💡 Takeaway:Healthy communication means focusing on clarity, kindness, and collaboration. Replacing fallacies with mindful alternatives creates stronger trust and deeper connection.
👉 Question to ponder; Which of these replacements do you think would make the biggest impact in your own conversations?
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❤️ Logical Fallacies in Relationships and How to Address Them
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