“I am not going to say I told you so, but I did.”

(Nouriel Roubini)

There are many ways to say the most selfish words in a relationship: I told you so.

Here are the obvious ways (which we’ve all done):

Outright:

—I told you so.

—I knew this was gonna happen.

—You should’ve listened to me!

In the form of a question:

—What did I say beforehand?

—Why do you never listen to me?

—Didn’t I tell you this would happen?

These are the more subtle, passive-aggressive ways (only practiced by a few masters):

—Of course that’s what happened!

—Can I tell you?…I thought this was coming.

—How about we talk about this before the next time?

And here is the preemptive move:

—I’m telling you now…’cos I don’t want to have to say “I told you so”!

—Are you sure you wanna do that? I’m just saying…

—Well, don’t expect to come back here afterwards, unless you wanna hear me say “I told you so”

Watch yourself today, and maybe you’ll catch yourself, ‘cause I promise saying any form of “I told you so” won’t yield the relationship results you’re seeking.

Peace begins with pause,