When “I Should Have” Is Worth Saying (It Usually Isn’t)

Language is the basis upon which we view the world. If we change our language, we change our world.

To that end, let’s unlearn the phrase “I should have.” Or, at the very least, let’s say it less.

As far as I can tell, “I should have” is only a helpful concept if:

• a strikingly similar situation, within a strikingly similar context, will happen again (uncommon); and
• the untaken action will work next time (rare); and
• it’s worth the time and effort to remember the situation, context, and action (rarer.)

(I should have realized this sooner.)