To impose unrealistic obligations or rules on yourself or others using 'should' thinking, creating unnecessary guilt or pressure
To keep telling yourself or others that they 'should' do things, which causes stress and guilt
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To impose excessive and unrealistic 'should' expectations on oneself, creating guilt and anxiety
"She spends so much time shoulding on herself — 'I should exercise more, I should call my mother, I should be further ahead in my career.'"
To impose unrealistic moral obligations or expectations on another person
"Stop shoulding on your kids — let them make their own choices about their careers."
This is a term from psychology and self-help discourse, popularised by therapists and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). 'Shoulding on yourself' means creating pressure through unrealistic internal rules. It is a play on the phrase 'shitting on yourself'. Not widely used outside therapy/self-help contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "should on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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