7 phrases people with poor social skills love to use without realizing how cringey they sound

Navigating social situations can be a tricky affair.

We’ve all been there—saying something we think is profound or funny, only to be met with awkward silence or forced laughter.

What’s going wrong? Well, often, it’s not what we’re saying, but how we’re saying it that’s the issue.

People with poor social skills often use phrases that they believe are engaging or effective, but in reality, they may come off as cringey or awkward.

In this article, I’ll share seven phrases that people with less-than-stellar social skills love to use without realizing how cringey they sound.

The aim isn’t to shame or criticize, but rather to help us all become more self-aware and authentic in our interactions.

Remember: Improving your social skills is part of personal growth and can greatly enhance your personal brand!

1) “Just saying…”

Now, we’ve all used this phrase at some point.

It’s a great way to put forth an idea or opinion without sounding too assertive.

But people with poor social skills often misuse this phrase, using it as a shield to hide behind controversial or offensive remarks.

The problem? It can come off as dismissive, insincere, or passive-aggressive.

This in turn can result in awkward conversations and strained relationships.

The reality is: If you have something worth saying, it deserves more than a “just saying” tacked on the end.

Be confident, be considerate, and stand by your words.

It can make a world of difference in how you come across to others.

Remember, authenticity and self-awareness are key when it comes to building a personal brand that truly reflects who you are.

Let’s ditch the “just saying” and start having conversations that matter.

2) “No offense, but…”

If there’s one phrase that sends a shiver down my spine, it’s this one.

I remember once, in a team meeting, a colleague started his feedback to me with “No offense, but…” and you can bet I was bracing myself for something offensive.

See, people with poor social skills often use this phrase thinking it’ll soften the blow of a harsh statement.

Spoiler alert: It doesn’t—in fact, it does the opposite.

It raises defenses and creates an atmosphere of negativity even before the actual point is made.

In my case, my colleague’s feedback could have been taken constructively, but his choice of words put me on the defensive, making the conversation far more awkward than it needed to be.

We’re all bound to give and receive feedback in our lives—it’s an integral part of growth.

But how we do it can greatly influence our relationships and our personal brand.

Let’s say goodbye to “No offense, but…” and hello to constructive, respectful feedback.

3) “I’m not racist, but…”

This phrase is a major red flag.

While it might seem obvious to most of us, some people still don’t realize just how cringey and offensive it sounds.

Interestingly, people who preface their comments with disclaimers are perceived as more prejudiced by listeners than those who make the same comment without the disclaimer.

In other words, using this phrase doesn’t absolve you of the offensive statement that follows—it just makes you seem even more biased.

It’s crucial to remember that our words reflect who we are and form a vital part of our personal brand.

Instead of using phrases that signal prejudice, let’s strive for understanding, tolerance, and respect in our conversations.

4) “I’m just being honest…”

Honesty is a virtue, no doubt about that.

But when this phrase is used as a preamble, it often signals an impending rude or hurtful comment packaged as ‘truth’.

People with poor social skills often use “I’m just being honest…” as a license to be blunt or insensitive, under the guise of truth-telling.

This approach can damage relationships and make interactions uncomfortable.

It’s a delicate balance—honesty should never be used as an excuse to be unkind or disrespectful.

Truth be told, it’s always possible to deliver honesty with tact and empathy.

After all, our words and actions are reflections of who we are—they shape our reputation and personal brand.

5) “You wouldn’t understand…”

I remember a conversation with a friend where I opened up about the stress I was feeling from work.

Instead of offering support or empathy, she responded with, “You wouldn’t understand, but my job is so much more stressful.”

Now, people with poor social skills often use this phrase to invalidate others’ experiences or to win the ‘who has it worse’ competition.

Not only does this phrase shut down the conversation, but it also creates a divide between the speaker and listener.

It left me feeling dismissed and unsupported—two feelings that don’t foster strong relationships.

In our journey of growth and personal branding, let’s remember that everyone’s experiences are unique and valid.

We should strive to create an atmosphere of understanding and empathy in our conversations, rather than making comparisons.

6) “You always…” or “You never…”

These phrases are often used during arguments or disagreements.

They’re absolute statements that can make the listener feel attacked and defensive – not exactly the recipe for a constructive conversation.

Using “always” or “never” exaggerates situations and leaves no room for change.

It’s as if you’re putting a label on someone, which can be damaging to the relationship.

Instead of using these absolute terms, try describing how you feel about specific actions or situations.

This approach fosters understanding and opens up space for growth and change.

After all, our relationships play a big part in who we are and how we’re perceived.

7) “Whatever…”

This one-word phrase might seem harmless, but it can be one of the most dismissive and disrespectful phrases used in conversations.

“Whatever” can often signal a lack of interest or concern for the other person’s thoughts or feelings.

It shuts down dialogue and indicates a lack of willingness to engage or compromise.

The most important thing to remember is that our words have power.

They can build up or tear down relationships, show respect or signal disrespect, and open doors or close them.

In our quest for authentic communication and personal growth, let’s replace “whatever” with phrases that show we value and respect the other person’s perspective.

At the end of the day, how we treat others says a lot about who we are.

The essence: It’s all about growth

It’s fascinating to delve into the world of communication and how certain phrases can influence our interactions.

Those ‘cringey’ phrases we discussed? They often stem from a lack of empathy or understanding.

But the good news is, empathy can be learned and improved with conscious effort and practice.

As we navigate our social interactions, let’s strive to replace these phrases with ones that promote understanding and respect.

Let’s aim to cultivate an empathetic approach to communication.

In doing so, not only will we improve our personal brand, but we’ll also foster stronger and more genuine relationships.

The next time you’re in a conversation, pause, reflect, and choose your words wisely: Your words are a reflection of who you are.