I Should vs. I'm Supposed To

Attribute	I Should	I'm Supposed To
Responsibility	Self-imposed	External expectation
Volition	Personal choice	External obligation
Consequence	Internal guilt	External judgment

Definition

When we talk about the phrases "I should" and "I'm supposed to," we are referring to two different ways of expressing obligation or duty. "I should" is often used to indicate a personal belief or recommendation about what is the right thing to do, while "I'm supposed to" implies an external expectation or requirement that one must fulfill.

Usage

The phrase "I should" is commonly used when giving advice or expressing one's own opinion about what is the correct course of action. For example, "I should exercise more often" or "I should apologize for my mistake." On the other hand, "I'm supposed to" is used to convey a sense of obligation or duty that comes from an external source, such as rules, regulations, or societal norms. For instance, "I'm supposed to be at work by 9 am" or "I'm supposed to follow the company's dress code."

Flexibility

One key difference between "I should" and "I'm supposed to" is the level of flexibility they offer. "I should" leaves room for personal choice and discretion, as it is based on one's own judgment or values. This means that the speaker has the option to follow the advice or recommendation given by using "I should." On the other hand, "I'm supposed to" implies a more rigid obligation that must be adhered to, as it is based on external expectations or requirements. This leaves less room for personal interpretation or deviation from the expected behavior.

Responsibility

Another important distinction between "I should" and "I'm supposed to" is the sense of responsibility they convey. When someone says "I should," they are taking ownership of the decision and acknowledging that it is ultimately up to them to follow through with the suggested action. This implies a sense of personal accountability for their choices. In contrast, "I'm supposed to" shifts the focus to an external authority or set of rules that dictate what must be done. This can relieve the individual of some responsibility, as they are simply following orders or fulfilling expectations set by others.

Social Expectations

Both "I should" and "I'm supposed to" are often used to navigate social expectations and norms. However, they approach this task in slightly different ways. "I should" is more about personal values and beliefs, so it can be used to challenge or question societal norms if the speaker believes they are wrong or harmful. For example, "I should speak up against injustice." On the other hand, "I'm supposed to" is more about conforming to established rules or conventions, even if the individual may not personally agree with them. This can create a tension between individual autonomy and societal expectations.

Consequences

When it comes to the consequences of not following through with the obligations expressed by "I should" and "I'm supposed to," there can be different outcomes. If someone fails to do what they believe they should do, they may experience feelings of guilt, regret, or disappointment in themselves. This is because they are not living up to their own standards or values. On the other hand, not fulfilling what one is supposed to do can lead to more tangible repercussions, such as penalties, sanctions, or social disapproval. This is because the expectations are set by external authorities or norms that have consequences for non-compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "I should" and "I'm supposed to" are ways of expressing obligation or duty, they differ in terms of flexibility, responsibility, social expectations, and consequences. "I should" is more about personal beliefs and recommendations, allowing for individual choice and discretion. On the other hand, "I'm supposed to" implies external expectations or requirements that must be followed, leaving less room for personal interpretation. Understanding the nuances of these phrases can help us navigate our obligations and responsibilities in various contexts.