“You Don’t Understand Me!” and Other Zingers for a Constructive Disagreement With Your Parents

Home only a few weeks, your parents are already getting on your nerves, telling you to get out more, clean your room, and set the table for dinner. You'd like to throw a tantrum, but then you remember you are no longer a child. You are way past fighting. As a mature adult, you prefer respectful disagreements instead. 

Here are three original zingers to whip out next time you find yourself butting heads with your parents but want to remain civil.

1.) "You don't understand me!"

This creative line is sure to clear things up for your parents and make them see that you are right. Parents are literally from another generation — it's no wonder they can't seem to figure out the society we currently live in. Remind them of the distance between you and them by separating the words "you" and "me" with two other words ("don't" and "understand"). This will help them realize that they risk their future relationship with their mature and adult child and help both parties reach a mutual agreement. 

2.) "It's not fair!"

There are a lot of injustices in the world. Every day people are starving, suffering from poverty, and experiencing unimaginable hardships. Express your frustration with these injustices (as well as those injustices brought against you by your parents) by using this crowdpleaser. As soon as you say these words, your parents will be sure to recognize your maturity and stop talking to you like you're a little kid. If your parents respond with the intellectual and constructive comment, "life's not fair," implore them to strive for the ideal, righting the injustices found in their own home. Checkmate.

3.) "I hate you!"

Linguists put their heads together to construct this beauty. When a casual and polite disagreement plagues your house, simply announce "I hate you" with suitable passion. Should the need arise, this short statement is sure to win you any mentally stimulating debate (and your parents' undying respect and adoration). 

The terrible twos may be far behind us, but we all still get angry. Next time you find yourself in friendly discourse with your parents, be sure to whip out one of these surefire phrases to sort out your issues like the mature and responsible adult you are.