You're only human, so it's not the end of the world if you accidentally say something offensive. However, you don't want to be disrespectful all of the time, especially to close friends and family members whom you love. You need to watch your words in order to keep the peace. Here are a few disrespectful phrases to stop using to be more likable:
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1. Whatever
When someone asks you to do something or tells you their opinion, don't respond with "whatever." It makes it sound like you're annoyed and dying for the conversation to be over. Even if that's the truth, you don't want to seem disrespectful when your friend is trying to tell you something important. Remember that golden rule and treat them the way you'd want to be treated.
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
2. I Hate You
When you get mad at someone you care about, it's easy to spit out things that you don't mean. However, telling someone that you hate them is pretty harsh. You don't want to make anyone cry or ruin their day. When you're angry, feel free to speak your mind, but don't get carried away. If you love someone, there's no reason to claim that you hate them. Even if they know you don't mean it, it's still hurtful.
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
3. You Wouldn't Understand
If a friend is trying to give you advice or comfort you, don't tell them that they can't understand what you're going through. Maybe they haven't been in the same exact situation, but they have been hurt before and know what it's like. Telling them that they don't understand what you're going through is a way to distance yourself from them, which is dangerous when you need to heal.
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
4. No Offense
Whenever you feel the need to add "no offense" to the end of a sentence, you've said something offensive. Instead of putting those words at the end of your speech, stop yourself from saying whatever rude thing you were planning on saying. It'll make everyone happier.
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
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5. K
This one is relevant when texting. If your friend sends you an entire paragraph, don't respond with "K." If you don't have time to write out a respond, let them know that you're busy or just wait to text them back. It's more polite than sending that dreaded "K."
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
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6. I Don't Care
If someone asks you where you want to go for dinner and you tell them that you don't care, it can come across as rude. Even though you're probably just trying to seem casual and easygoing, it can seem as if you don't want to spend time with that person. Show them that you're happy to be there by at least making a few suggestions.
Saying 'whatever' can come off as dismissive. It often feels like you're brushing someone off or not taking their feelings seriously. It's like you're saying, 'I don't care about this conversation.'
You could calmly ask for clarification. Something like, 'What do you mean by whatever?' This shows you're interested in what's really on their mind and keeps the conversation open.
'Yup' isn't always rude, but it can sound a bit curt or lacking enthusiasm. Context matters! If someone’s sharing something important, a full 'yes' might feel more respectful.
Instead of 'what,' try saying, 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.' It shows you care about understanding and listening.
'Is or what' and similar phrases can sound confrontational. They feel like you're challenging or questioning someone's opinion rather than having a friendly chat, which can put people on the defensive.
7. Nothing at All
You won't always have a response when you're talking to your friends. If you can't think of something to say, at least nod to let them know that you've been listening. If you just act like you didn't hear them or change the subject, they'll feel like you didn't care about what they had to say.
You don't want to give your friends or family an attitude, or you'll risk losing them. You love them, so they deserve to be treated with respect. What other disrespectful phrases do you hate to hear?
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Comments
Claudia: The hell I am should be one I'm guilty of it.
Maria: The one that I hate the most is "That's so....." I Hate it it's either That's so gay or something like That's so white or involving other racial I'am just sitting here wondering "what makes it so....that?" Like seriously Stop
amby : My little sister does every single one of these and it gets old. & sometimes combines them like " k whatever... You don't understand, no offense." Haha i still love tho
Jennapher: There are times, especially on-line, when you want to offer an opinion, not an offensive opinion, but perhaps you disagree, or want to offer a different perspective. I would never use "no offense". I preface my comments by saying "with no disrespect intended". No one has ever responded badly or harshly...
Claudia: I know should also be one of them because when someone tells you something and you say you know what it implies is that you don't want to hear what they have to say and you're seemingly making an excuse for your behavior if you know you should just do it.
Kayy: 1,3 and 6. Guilty!
shannon: No problem should be on here too.
nobody: I couldn't agree more.
KaReN: shut up should be one :)
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