A few weeks ago, I wrote about phrases that do not promote harmony. 

This past week I attended a meeting where I was reminded of another: 

“Because I said so.” 

Now I recognize we all have moments when we are at the end of our tether. We need something done. No push back, please. 

In these moments, it’s possible we’ve been driven to “Because I said so,” 

After which (hopefully) we noted the resentment it created and cleaned that up.

This was not that situation. 

This “Because I said so,” was more insidious, more covert. 

In this instance a small number of people made a decision that affected a large number of people, and that larger group was upset.

Regardless of how the larger group expressed their upset, however — from requesting details of the decision-making to pointing out the benefits of transparency—the attitude of the decision-makers remained:

“Because I said so.”

A stance that left the majority group disenfranchised and disillusioned. 

So the next time – even if you have the wherewithal not to say, “Because I said so,” — notice whether you are living it.  

Because if you are living it, others are, too. 

And the frustration/apathy/resentment it engenders might circle back and surprise you.

Feeling gaslighted by someone’s (non) apology? Take a look at, “50 Shades of I’m Sorry”