Four Parts of an “I” Message

Part 1: “I feel _________”

Here you express and state your feelings.

Part 2: “When you ______”

Express what you observed here.

Part 3: “Because _______”

In this part of the statement, you state your need.

Part 4: “I would prefer that ______”

Finally, state your preference and what you wish for from the other person.

Example Situation: When others ask you to revert immediately after dropping a message.

You Statement: “You have to understand that I am not always available to text you.”

I Statement: I feel overly burdened when you keep asking me to revert you immediately after seeing a message because sometimes I am not in a headspace to revert. I'd be thankful if next time you could please give me my space and time to get back to you.