The first component of NVC entails the separation of observation
from evaluation. We need to clearly observe what we are seeing,
hearing, or touching that is affecting our sense of well-being,
without mixing in any evaluation.

Observations are an important element in NVC, where we wish
to clearly and honestly express how we are to another person. When
we combine observation with evaluation, however, we decrease the
likelihood that others will hear our intended message. Instead, they
are apt to hear criticism and thus resist what we are saying.