1 Whatever

When someone asks you to do something or tells you their opinion, don't respond with "whatever." Many people ask, "is whatever offensive?" and the answer is usually yes. In fact, is saying whatever disrespectful in most contexts? Absolutely. 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. For more tips on better communication, check out Psychology Today's guide on communication basics.

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. Try using "I feel" statements instead of aggressive attacks, as these are often seen as mean things to say to people you love.

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. Instead, try saying, "It's hard for me to explain right now, but I appreciate you being here." This keeps the door open for support.

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. If you're struggling with how to be more tactful, you might want to look into ways to be a better friend to ensure you aren't accidentally pushing people away.

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 response, let them know that you're busy or just wait to text them back. It's more polite than sending that dreaded "K." For advice on digital etiquette and setting healthy boundaries, Verywell Mind offers great insights. Being short can be interpreted as one of those rude things to say without even realizing it.

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. Is saying "what" to someone rude? Sometimes, but "I don't care" can feel just as dismissive. 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. Responding with "whatever" or "I don't care" often gives the wrong impression. Show them that you're happy to be there by at least making a few suggestions or asking what they're in the mood for. Check out these rude habits that make people dislike you for more perspective.

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. Some might wonder, is saying "never mind" rude? It can be, but saying nothing at all is often worse. 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. Silence can be one of the most harmful forms of communication when used incorrectly.

To recap, here are some key takeaways for better communication:

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? Let us know in the comments!