Social intelligence is all about saying and doing the right things so you can have peaceful and meaningful interactions with others. It’s the line between making friends and gaining enemies in the most unlikely situations. Adopt these 17 phrases in your everyday conversations to build better relationships.
“Oh, I’d Like to Hear More”
Asking for more information doesn’t just show how much you enjoy listening to others. It also signals the amount of value you’re getting from conversations with them. A statement like “tell me more” shows others that you’re listening to them and makes them feel heard and more valuable around you. Forbes also shares that showing interest in others can increase trust and positive regard for you by 50%.
“I Think It May Be Better You…”
When you disagree with a suggestion from someone, it’s easy for this person to see you as opposition, and you may unintentionally build hostility or resentment in them. Conversations are meant to be collaborative, so telling others you “think” your idea may be better gives them the impression that you only want them to consider yours. It’s better than outright calling yours superior.
“I’ve Thought of That Too”
What’s a better way to show someone that you think alike than by telling them how similar your perspectives are about a topic? It’s a great opportunity to make others comfortable with you, and it allows them to go into subjects they haven’t been able to talk about before.
“What Do You Think of This?”
Requesting others’ thoughts on a topic or idea shows that you respect them enough to consider their opinions valuable. You give their ideas reverence and make them feel comfortable contributing positively to a subject. This also helps you avoid one-sided conversations.
“That’s Brilliant!”
Showing anyone you’re having a conversation with that their contributions actually make a lot of sense makes them feel more confident to contribute. It’s a booster for having deeper and more open conversations, and it also helps you push others to talk more if they seem unsure of themselves.
“I Was Wrong”
Admitting your faults or shortcomings shows how responsible you are for your actions. It tells others that you’re capable of separating wrong from right and that you respect their feelings. Sincere apologies are effective ways to rebuild relationships and make others respect your feelings too. It also re-establishes others’ dignity, as Verywell Mind shares.
“I Appreciate Your Patience”
You should show others that you know you put them in a bad situation and that you appreciate how well they’ve taken it. It’s one way of apologizing for your misdeeds. Not many things are more hurtful than waiting for someone or tolerating something you dislike from someone, and this person doesn’t acknowledge your sacrifice.
“We’ll Figure It Out Together”
It’s always amazing to hear that you aren’t alone in finding solutions to issues that put you in physical or emotional distress. Telling others you’ll work together with them to help fix problems opens a pathway for collaboration that eventually becomes beneficial both ways.
“How Do You Feel About That?”
Questions about others’ feelings are empathetic—they show that you care about their emotions and really want the best for them. As a study published on ScienceDirect shows, showing empathy also helps reduce aggressive behaviors in others and allows you to deal with conflicts more peacefully.
“I Understand How You Feel”
For some people, it’s not enough that you ask how they feel. They want to know that you comprehend their emotions and why they feel that way. By telling them you understand them, you show that their feelings are justified, and you make them feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts with you.
“I’ve Felt That Way Before”
A statement like this further bridges the emotional gap between you two. It shows you’re one of the best people he or she can come to for emotional comfort, as you share experiences and know exactly how they may be feeling. Similar experiences create a sense of belonging within others.
“I Remember When…”
Yale University reports evidence that sharing experiences or having conversations about your past makes others feel like you’re thinking the same way. It amplifies emotions, brings others into your life, and allows them to understand where you’re coming from. You create a “we” mentality by making others feel like they’re part of you.
“Sorry to Hear That”
What if you can’t fathom how someone feels about an event and you see that it really bothers them? The phrase “sorry to hear that” allows you to show the right amount of empathy. It’s one way to show genuine concern, especially in difficult situations like getting cheated on or losing a loved one.
“You’ve Got This”
Fears can be hard to conquer. Telling someone that they have what it takes to achieve a goal quenches their self-doubt and encourages them to take the necessary first steps. It’s easier if there’s a prior situation you can refer to that he or she dealt with excellently, and it makes you a cherished part of their support system.
“I’m Here For You”
Many people look for someone to pour out their emotions to—especially someone who doesn’t seem burdened by them. Telling your friends sincerely that you’re always there for them if they need a shoulder in difficult times creates a new and more secure emotional dynamic.
“Oh, That’s Another Way to See It”
Letting others know that they bring new perspectives to your thoughts or a conversation makes them feel special. You show that you’re learning from him or her, and you make him or her feel more appreciated and comfortable enough to contribute something even better.
“It Was Nice Talking to You”
When you end conversations, it’s also great to let people know that talking to them wasn’t a waste of time for you. By showing that you enjoyed speaking with them, it’s easier to start new conversations in the future, and you ensure no one feels apprehensive towards you.
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