Ever thought how the words you use can make people trust you less?

It’s true! Even small phrases can change how people see you. That’s how psychology plays its part in our everyday conversations.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’re going to explore 10 everyday phrases that, believe it or not, might be making people trust you less.

And get this – they’re not big things like insults or lies. Just small, subtle phrases that can still lower people’s trust in you. Let’s get started.

1. “Trust me”

It might sound surprising, but starting or ending a sentence with “Trust me” can actually make people trust you less. Why? Because trust is something that’s earned, not freely given just because someone asks for it.

When you use this phrase, it can make people think that you’re trying to convince them of something that may not be entirely true. It’s better to let your actions show that you’re trustworthy. After all, actions speak louder than words!

2. “To be honest”

“To be honest” is another phrase that can raise eyebrows. It subtly implies that you might not always be fully truthful.

If you’re being honest now, does that mean you were dishonest before? Even if that’s not what you meant, it’s what people might think when they hear this phrase.

Instead, try to convey your honesty through consistent truth-telling, rather than relying on a phrase to do it for you.

3. “I might be wrong, but…”

This phrase is a classic example of self-sabotage. By starting a sentence with “I might be wrong, but…”, you’re immediately undermining your own credibility. Even if what follows is insightful or accurate, you’ve already planted the seed of doubt in people’s minds.

Let me share a personal example to illulstrate this. I once had to present a new strategy to my team. Nervous about their reaction, I started with “I might be wrong, but I think we should change our approach…”. Immediately, I could see their interest wane. The phrase made me appear unsure, causing them to doubt the validity of my suggestion.

So, next time you have an idea or opinion to share, try to present it confidently. You can still be open to feedback without undermining your own authority from the outset.

4. “I don’t have time”

This phrase is a real relationship killer. When you say “I don’t have time”, people may feel dismissed and unimportant to you.

After all, it’s not about having time, but about making time. Most of us have the same 24 hours in a day, yet some people achieve more because they manage their time efficiently.

Instead of saying you don’t have time, try to communicate that you’re currently busy, but are willing to find a suitable time for what’s being asked. It shows your respect for others and your commitment to getting things done.

5. “It’s not my fault”

We’ve all been there – something goes wrong, and our instinct is to deflect blame. But saying “It’s not my fault” often comes off as dodging responsibility, which can erode trust in relationships.

Here’s a more heartfelt approach: Instead of rushing to protect yourself, take a moment to understand the other person’s perspective. Even if you genuinely believe it wasn’t your fault, expressing empathy and understanding can go a long way in maintaining trust and respect.

Remember, it’s not always about who’s at fault, but about how we react when things don’t go as planned. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. Owning up to them can make us more trustworthy in the eyes of others.

6. “I hate to say this, but…”

Using this phrase can be a quick way to lose the trust of others. It’s often followed by a negative or critical comment, which can make people brace for the worst.

For instance, in my earlier years at work, I noticed my supervisor often used this phrase before giving feedback. It always made me anxious and defensive, even before I heard what she had to say. I realized then how such a simple phrase could impact someone’s perception and create an atmosphere of unease.

So, next time you have feedback or a difficult message to deliver, try framing it in a constructive way rather than using phrases that instinctively put people on the defensive.

7. “I don’t care”

Let’s be real here. Saying “I don’t care” is like a slap in the face to whoever you’re talking to. It instantly communicates that you have no interest or concern in what they’re saying.

Maybe you’re having a bad day or you’re just not interested in the topic at hand. But uttering these three words can make people feel disregarded and unvalued.

The truth is, we all have moments when we don’t care as much as we should. But instead of bluntly stating that you don’t care, try expressing your feelings in a more understanding way. It might be as simple as saying, “I’m finding it hard to connect with this,” or “I’m having trouble seeing this from your perspective.”

Remember, honesty doesn’t have to be brutal. It’s all about how you communicate it.

8. “I already knew that”

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and this phrase can often come across as the latter. Saying “I already knew that” can make you seem dismissive of others’ efforts to share or explain something.

Now, here’s an interesting fact. According to a psychology, people who regularly claim to know everything are usually perceived as less competent.

So, even if you did know that piece of information, it’s often better to show appreciation for the effort taken to share it with you. This can foster positive interactions and enhance your relationships.

9. “Whatever”

Let’s cut straight to the chase. Responding with “whatever” can be one of the most dismissive things you can say to someone. It’s often interpreted as you not caring about the conversation or the person you’re talking to.

Sure, there might be times when you genuinely feel indifferent, but this one-word answer can make people feel unimportant and unheard.

So, next time you’re tempted to shrug off a conversation with a “whatever”, try to express your feelings more openly instead. Even if you disagree or are not interested, there are always ways to communicate that without hurting or dismissing others’ feelings.

10. “I told you so”

Let’s get real – nobody likes to hear “I told you so”. It comes off as smug and superior, making people feel small and foolish for their mistakes.

We all make wrong calls from time to time. And when that happens, what we need is understanding and support, not someone reminding us of our failure.

So next time someone makes a mistake that you had warned them about, resist the urge to say “I told you so”. Instead, offer your help or advice on how they can improve. This will not only strengthen your relationship but also boost their trust in you.