If a man uses these 10 phrases in a conversation, he isn’t a very intelligent or thoughtful person

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | January 19, 2025, 3:46 pm

Ever had a chat with someone and felt a bit puzzled about their intelligence or kindness?

Well, sometimes, words give us hints about people’s true colors.

So, we’ve pulled together a list of ten phrases. If a man uses these in a conversation, it might suggest he’s not the brightest bulb or the most considerate soul.

Now, remember, this isn’t about putting anyone down—it’s about getting to know people better.

So, settle down comfortably and let’s dig into these phrases. You might just learn something new!

1. “I’m not a reader”

We’ve all heard this one, haven’t we? When a man declares, “I’m not a reader,” it can be a bit of a red flag.

Reading is a way to expand one’s horizons, gain knowledge, and develop empathy. It’s not about being a bookworm, but refusing to read at all might suggest a lack of curiosity or willingness to learn – key traits of an intelligent and thoughtful person.

This phrase doesn’t mean he’s unintelligent or unkind per se, but it might hint at some intellectual laziness or close-mindedness. Remember, the world’s most successful people are voracious readers!

2. “I don’t care what others think”

While it’s important to not let others’ opinions dictate our lives, completely disregarding what others think can signal a lack of empathy or consideration.

A thoughtful person values the perspectives of others and is open to constructive criticism. So, when a man says, “I don’t care what others think”, it may indicate that he’s not too concerned about how his actions affect those around him, which isn’t a great sign of emotional intelligence. It’s all about balance: caring enough to respect others and their views, but not to the point where it hampers your own self-esteem or growth.

3. “That’s just how I am”

We’ve all met people who use this phrase as an excuse for their unkind or thoughtless behavior. For instance, I once had a friend who was always late. Every single time we’d make plans, I found myself waiting for him. When I finally confronted him about it, his response was, “That’s just how I am.”

In my eyes, this phrase showed a lack of willingness to change or improve himself for the better. It suggested he wasn’t thoughtful enough to respect other people’s time or considerate enough to work on his punctuality.

So, when a man uses this phrase to justify his actions, it might be an indicator that he’s not the most intelligent or thoughtful person around.

4. “I don’t need to write it down”

Here’s an interesting fact: our brains can be pretty forgetful. Research shows that we forget about 50% of the information we hear within an hour, and 70% within 24 hours.

So when a man says, “I don’t need to write it down,” it could be a sign of overconfidence in his memory or lack of awareness of how memory works. Writing things down not only helps us remember, but also demonstrates an organized mindset and a willingness to keep track of important details – qualities of a thoughtful and intelligent person.

Therefore, this phrase might suggest that he’s not as smart or considerate as he thinks he is.

5. “It’s not my problem”

Hearing someone say, “It’s not my problem” can be quite disheartening. This phrase can reveal a lack of empathy and a refusal to help others, especially when the person is in a position to do so.

Imagine a world where everyone said, “It’s not my problem.” We’d lose the sense of community, compassion, and shared responsibility that holds our society together.

An intelligent and thoughtful person understands that we’re all interconnected, and helping others when we can is not just kind, but smart too. It fosters stronger relationships and a more caring community. So when a man uses this phrase, it might suggest he’s missing some key qualities of thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence.

6. “I know everything”

I remember when I was a kid, I had a friend who was always boasting, “I know everything.” Back then, it was amusing, but as we grew older, this attitude became less charming and more concerning.

Claiming to “know everything” often signifies arrogance and a closed mind. It suggests an unwillingness to learn, grow, or accept new ideas. As someone who values continuous learning and humility, I found this attitude unappealing.

So when a man uses this phrase in a conversation, it may very well indicate that he lacks the intellectual curiosity and humility that characterize truly intelligent and thoughtful individuals.

7. “I never apologize”

Let’s get real here. Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is refusing to own up to them. When a man says, “I never apologize,” it’s a big red flag.

Apologies aren’t about admitting defeat; they’re about acknowledging our errors and showing respect to the people we may have hurt or wronged. It takes a strong, intelligent, and thoughtful person to apologize sincerely.

So if he’s boasting about never apologizing, it might be time to question his emotional intelligence and maturity. No sugar-coating here—this phrase is a pretty clear indicator that he might not be the most considerate or intellectually evolved person around.

8. “I don’t make mistakes”

Here’s a fascinating fact: making mistakes is actually good for us. Studies have shown that we learn more effectively from our mistakes than from our successes. Mistakes help us identify what we don’t know and challenge us to find a better way.

So, when a man says, “I don’t make mistakes,” it not only highlights an unrealistic view of himself but also a misunderstanding of how personal growth works. Admitting to making mistakes shows humility, self-awareness, and the ability to learn—traits of an intelligent and thoughtful person. Therefore, this phrase might suggest he’s not as smart or considerate as he thinks he is.

9. “I don’t need help”

I’ll admit, I used to be the kind of person who’d say, “I don’t need help.” I thought accepting help was a sign of weakness. But, over time, I realized that everyone needs help at some point, and it’s okay.

Asking for or accepting help doesn’t make you less competent or intelligent. On the contrary, it shows you’re smart enough to know your limits and thoughtful enough to value others’ expertise or assistance.

So, when a man says, “I don’t need help,” it might signal an inflated ego or a lack of understanding about the importance of collaboration and humility—traits that are key to being truly intelligent and considerate.

10. “I can’t change”

Let’s cut to the chase. When a man says, “I can’t change,” it’s a cop-out. Change is a part of life. We all have the capacity for growth and self-improvement.

This phrase often serves as an excuse to stick with harmful habits or unkind behavior. It’s a way of avoiding responsibility for personal growth. Worse yet, it shows a lack of respect for others who may be affected by his actions.

An intelligent, thoughtful man knows he can change and grow. He knows that personal development is a lifelong journey, not a dead-end street.

So if you hear these words, be wary. They may indicate that he’s not as smart or considerate as he could be.