Buzz
It’s easy to say the wrong thing at times; often, it's all about how you phrase something. Real Simple has compiled a list of 18 phrases you should steer clear of and provided alternative suggestions.
The advice includes both professional and personal contexts. For example:
Instead of telling a recently single person, "You were too good for him" (which may imply she made a poor choice), say "His loss!", which delivers the same message.
At the office, if your manager asks you to handle something outside of your duties, avoid saying "That's not my job." A better response would be to suggest it may not be your top priority and then discuss your main tasks with your boss.
This one is pretty clear, but don’t speak negatively about your previous or current boss when applying for a job.
And my favorite, which is absolutely true: Don't mention that someone looks tired, as it might make them feel like they look unwell. Instead, check in and ask how they are or if everything is alright.
While there aren’t any strict guidelines for how to engage with others, you may find it useful to retire certain phrases. For more suggestions on keeping your conversations more tactful, visit Real Simple. Share your phrases to avoid (and your preferred alternatives) in the comments section.
Image courtesy of Sharon Mollerus.
