What term is used for saying what you feel and think without criticizing someone else?

The term that describes expressing your feelings and thoughts without criticizing someone else is known as "I messages." This communication technique focuses on the speaker's feelings and experiences rather than placing blame on the listener. By starting sentences with "I feel" or "I think," the speaker takes ownership of their emotions and thoughts, which helps to foster a more productive and respectful conversation. This approach not only minimizes defensiveness in the listener but also encourages open dialogue, making it easier for effective communication to occur.

The other options involve different aspects of communication. "You messages" typically involve blaming or criticizing the other person, which can lead to conflict. "Assertive statements" may be direct and clear but can sometimes come off as aggressive rather than focusing on personal feelings. "Feedback messages" can provide information about someone's behavior, but they might not center on personal feelings and are different from the more personal approach of "I messages."