Some things are better left unsaid. And others, we regret the minute they slip out. When you were a kid, did anyone ever tell you – if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all? Believe it or not that statement actually rings true – calling to mind moments with friends or loved ones that you later wished you could take back. It’s true that words really do hurt and sometimes things are simply better left unsaid. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve made a comment or an accusation that hurt a friend, loved one or even a coworker, you’ll understand the sentiment thinking before you speak can save a lot of heartache. Sometimes the kindest thing you can say is nothing at all – at least until you’re absolutely sure you want that message out, loud and clear. Let’s take a look at a few phrases you can never take back.
“I am too busy to talk to you.” That sounds pretty awful when you say it out loud, doesn’t it? You should always make space for the people in your life who mean something to you – or your professional relationships – and saying your too busy negates the importance of the relationship you share. Whether at home, with a friend or at work, skip this phrase and make the time or kindly let that person know you’ll have to chat later.
“Maybe we should get a divorce.” This one you really can’t take back. Even if this isn’t an act you follow through with, that phrase will linger in your partner’s head for a very long time. If you’re that frustrated, tell your partner you’re about to say something you don’t mean and you’ll have to continue the discussion later. Go outside, take a walk – but reserve that phrase for when you actually mean it.
“Whatever.” There’s nothing that makes someone feel less important than when you make them feel like you just don’t care. If you really do care about someone, you’d never leave the conversation on such an unconcerned note. This phrase seems to surface in arguments amongst good friends and has the power to leave lasting damage on a friendship – even one you’ve had for years.
“Grow up.” Such a simple statement, but oh so powerful. If you really want to make someone feel bad, this phrase says it all in just a few words. An especially poor choice of words for the workplace, this phrase has the power to change a professional relationship permanently.
“You don’t love me.” Putting such powerful words in someone else’s mouth can really go wrong quite quickly – and can easily make that person extremely upset. When you’re having a disagreement remember to speak your own feelings rather than saying things you really don’t mean.
Have you ever been in a situation where you spoke before you really thought things through? Were there lasting consequences that you wish you could reverse? Next time: stop, think – and choose your words wisely!
