Ego deflating language is communication that serves to elevate the communicator while diminishing the receiver. While often innocent on the surface, the message may be quite destructive. Some examples of common ego deflating techniques include:

1. Intimidation: Describing an action or accomplishment in a manner that makes it appear beyond your ability.
2. One Upsmanship: After you convey a story, proceeding to tell you something or someone that had it worse or did it better.
3. Judging: Statements put in a manner to demonstrate that you are just not quite up to par.
4. Intellectualizing: Using language or metaphors that are beyond normal comprehension.
5. Branding: The importance of labels is exaggerated. Everything from cars to clothing must carry an appropriate trademark.

While we may have to deal with the ego deflators in our lives, we can certainly be cognizant of our own behavior to make sure that we are not guilty!

What ego deflating language have you experienced? laura@realwomenwin.com #bereal