Remove the negative tone of your writing by using and instead of but to join two thoughts.
When you do this you’ll sound more positive.
We all know when someone says, “Yes, but …,” they are disagreeing with us. When we get feedback from someone that follows the “(comment 1) but (comment 2)” we know the but is the warning sign.
Sometimes two clauses need to be joined by ‘but’. Most of the time, however, you’ll find that using ‘and’ works just as well. Compare these two:
Sales were up 10% last month but I know we can do better Sales were up 10% last month and I know we can do better.
The second one is better.
Replacing but with and works in speech as well as in writing. When your significant other suggests something to you, try starting your reply with: “Yes, and …,” to build on their suggestion, rather than knocking it down.