Don't you hate it when someone 'shoulds" on you? I do, then i realized I "should" on people and that made me take a second look at how I communicate.  I started paying attention to when i say should, usually with my family.  I started catching myself once i was aware and looked for new ways to say the same thing.  Shoulding makes me feel like the person delivering the should thinks i am dumb.  That i can't think for myself or figure things out.  So when i should on others they probably feel the same way.  Whether we mean it or not, should is offensive.  What are some other ways we could say should? You should put your laundry away.  Will you put your laundry away? What is keeping you from putting away your laundry?  I find curiousity rather than assumption goes a long way.  Create a should free zone in your home.