18 Common Phrases to Avoid in Conversation
By Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Some things should never be said―like these phrases. Here, what to say instead.
What Not to Say About Someone’s Appearance
Don’t say: “You look tired.”
Why: It implies she doesn’t look good.
Instead say: “Is everything OK?” We often blurt the “tired” comment
when we get the sense that the other person feels out of sorts. So just
ask.
Don’t say: “Wow, you’ve lost a ton of weight!”
Why: To a newly trim person, it might give the impression that she used to look unattractive.
Instead say: “You look fantastic.” And leave it at that. If you’re
curious about how she got so svelte, add, “What’s your secret?”
Don’t say: “You look good for your age.”
Why: Anything with a caveat like this is rude. It’s saying, “You look
great―compared with other old people. It’s amazing you have all your
own teeth.”
Instead say: “You look great.”
Don’t say: “I could never wear that.”
Why: It can be misunderstood as a criticism. (“I could never wear that because it’s so ugly.”)
Instead say: “You look so good in skinny jeans.” If you slip, say
something like “I could never wear that…because I wasn’t blessed with
your long legs.”
What Not to Say in the Workplace
Don’t say: “That’s not my job.”
Why: If your superior asks you to do something, it is your job.
Instead say: “I’m not sure that should be my priority right now.” Then
have a conversation with your boss about your responsibilities.
Don’t say: “This might sound stupid, but…”
Why: Never undermine your ideas by prefacing your remarks with wishy-washy language.
Instead say: What’s on your mind. It reinforces your credibility to present your ideas with confidence.
Don’t say: “I don’t have time to talk to you.”
Why: It’s plain rude, in person or on the phone.
Instead say: “I’m just finishing something up right now. Can I come by
when I’m done?” Graciously explain why you can’t talk now, and suggest
catching up at an appointed time later. Let phone calls go to voice
mail until you can give callers your undivided attention.
What Not to Say During a Job Interview
Don’t say: “My current boss is horrendous.”
Why: It’s unprofessional. Your interviewer might wonder when you’d
start bad-mouthing her. For all you know, she and your current boss are
old pals.
Instead say: “I’m ready for a new challenge” or a similarly positive remark.
Don’t say: “Do you think I’d fit in here?”
Why: You’re the interviewee, not the interviewer.
Instead say: “What do you enjoy about working here?” By all means ask
questions, but prepare ones that demonstrate your genuine interest in
the company.
Don’t say: “What are the hours like?” or “What’s the vacation policy?”
Why: You want to be seen as someone who focuses on getting the job done.
Instead say: “What’s the day-to-day like here?” Then, if you’ve really
jumped through every hoop and time off still hasn’t been mentioned,
say, “Can you tell me about the compensation and benefits package?”
What Not to Say About Pregnancy and Babies
Don’t say: “Are you pregnant?”
Why: You ask, she’s not, and you feel totally embarrassed for essentially pointing out that she’s overweight.
Instead say: “Hello” or “Great to see you” or “You look great.”
Anything besides “Are you pregnant?” or “What’s the due date?” will do.
Save yourself the humiliation and never ask.
Don’t say: “Do you plan on breast-feeding?”
Why: The issue can be controversial, and she may not want to discuss her decision publicly.
Instead say: Nothing. Unless you’re very close, don’t ask. If you slip,
make up for the blunder by adding, “And do you feel comfortable telling
me?”
Don’t say: “Were your twins natural?” or “It must have been hard for your child’s birth parent to give him up.”
Why: You’re suggesting that natural conception is better than in vitro fertilization (IVF) or adoption.
Instead say: To a parent of multiples, try a light “Wow, you have your
hands full!” To an adoptive parent, say the same stuff you would to any
other parent: “She’s adorable!” or “How old is he?”
What Not to Say to a Single (or Newly Single) Person
Don’t say: “You were too good for him.”
Why: You are basically saying she has bad taste. And you’ll be embarrassed if they ever patch it up.
Instead say: “His loss!” It gets the same point across without disparaging her judgment.
Don’t say: “I’m glad you got rid of him. I never liked him anyway.”
Why: She’ll wonder about your fake adoration for him while they were together.
Instead say: “I’m confident you’ll find someone who will give you
exactly what you want.” It focuses on what’s to come, not on the dud
you’re glad she’s done with.
Don’t say: “How could someone as perfect as you still be single?”
Why: A statement like this comes off as a backhanded compliment. What she hears is “What’s wrong with you?”
Instead say: “Seeing anyone?” If she’s tight-lipped about her love life, move on to other topics.
What Not to Say During a Fight with Your Beloved
Don’t say: “You always” or “You never” or “You’re a [slob, jerk]” or “You’re wrong.”
Why: Speaking in absolutes like “you always” and “you’re wrong” is
playing the blame game, and resorting to name calling makes your
partner feel helpless, which puts him on the defensive and makes a bad
fight worse.
Instead say: “I’m upset that you left the dishes in the sink again.
What can we do so that this stops happening?” Starting with the pronoun
I puts the focus on how you feel, not why he’s in the doghouse, and it
will make him more receptive to fixing the problem.
Don’t say: “If you really loved me, you would…”
Why: The more you treat your partner as if he’ll never satisfy you, the
less satisfied you’ll be. Controlling your partner by imploring him to
do something isn’t a good way to build intimacy.
Instead say: “I feel taken for granted when you don’t help around the
house. I would feel better if we could…” The best way to keep a
productive fight from becoming a dirty one is to be clear about why
you’re upset and then offer a solution.
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