If a woman uses these 11 subtle phrases in a conversation, she is a really inconsiderate person

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | September 1, 2024, 1:51 pm

Ever found yourself in a chat with a lady and felt something wasn’t quite right?

You know, those times when you walk away feeling a bit dismissed or even disrespected.

What’s that about? Well, it might be down to some sneaky phrases she’s using.

In this article, we’re about to uncover 11 of these subtle phrases. If a woman regularly uses these in a conversation, it could mean she’s not as considerate as she seems.

So, are you ready? Let’s get started!

1) “Whatever”

This one-word phrase may seem harmless, but it can be a clear sign of inconsideration.

If she frequently resorts to “whatever” in response to your thoughts or feelings, it could indicate that she isn’t really interested in what you have to say.

This dismissive behavior shows a lack of respect for your opinions and feelings, which is definitely not a characteristic of a considerate person.

2) “I don’t care”

If a woman frequently says, “I don’t care” during conversations, it could signal that she’s not taking your feelings or opinions into account.

While it’s totally fine to disagree or have different interests, expressing indifference in such a blunt way can come off as inconsiderate.

A more considerate response could be, “I see your point, but I have a different perspective.”

3) “You’re overreacting”

I distinctly recall a time when I confided in a friend about my anxieties over an impending work deadline.

Instead of offering a listening ear or constructive advice, she casually brushed off my concerns with those infuriating words.

This phrase is the epitome of dismissiveness. It implies that your feelings or reactions are unwarranted, leaving you feeling invalidated and diminished. 

A more compassionate response would be, “I can see this is really stressing you out. How can I support you?”

This demonstrates empathy and validation, rather than criticism and disregard.

4) “I’m not being rude, I’m just being honest”

Consider this: People who habitually excuse their rudeness as honesty tend to lack social awareness and emotional intelligence.

When someone, particularly a woman, frequently falls back on this phrase, it could suggest a disregard for or a lack of understanding of how her words affect others.

While honesty is admirable, it should never serve as a shield for rudeness or insensitivity.

After all, being truthful doesn’t have to come at the expense of kindness.

5) “It’s not my problem”

When you hear the words, “It’s not my problem,” it can feel like a punch to the gut, dismissing your struggles or concerns with a cold indifference.

We all navigate our own challenges in this tough world. But picture a kinder, more supportive response: “I’m sorry you’re facing this,” or “How can I help?”

These empathetic words embody true compassion and understanding, reflecting the qualities of someone genuinely considerate. Instead of shutting down, let’s lift each other up with empathy.

6) “If I were you…”

I remember facing a tough situation at work, and a colleague hit me with the classic line, “If I were you, I’d handle it differently.” It felt like a subtle dig, implying she knew better.

But let’s be real here – no one can truly walk in someone else’s shoes. Our experiences and perspectives are as unique as our fingerprints.

A more respectful approach? How about, “Have you thought about…?” or “You might want to try…,” giving space for individual autonomy and decision-making. Because in the end, only you know what’s best for you.

7) “It’s just a joke”

Ah, the classic “It’s just a joke” line. But let’s be real – it’s not always funny.

I’ve seen this used as a quick escape route after a rude or offensive comment. And frankly, it’s not cool. Just because something’s labeled as a joke doesn’t mean it can’t sting or demean someone.

Humor’s supposed to bring smiles, not frowns. If someone’s always hiding behind the “it’s just a joke” shield, they might not be as considerate as they claim.

A genuinely thoughtful person would apologize if their joke rubbed someone the wrong way, and make an effort not to repeat the blunder.

8) “Well, actually…”

This phrase might sound familiar. It’s often used to correct others, and while it’s not inherently bad, it can come off as condescending if overused.

Here’s a fun fact: this behaviour even has a name – it’s called ‘mansplaining’, although women can be guilty of it too.

Researchers found that men are more likely to overestimate their intelligence and skills, while women tend to underestimate theirs.

This could explain why some people feel the need to ‘correct’ others more often.

A more considerate approach would be to listen fully before offering a different perspective or additional information, and to do so in a respectful manner.

9) “You always…” or “You never…”

Statements like “You always forget things” or “You never listen to me” can feel like a personal attack rather than constructive feedback.

These absolute terms can make the other person feel cornered and defensive. It’s more considerate to address the specific issue at hand rather than making sweeping generalizations about someone’s behavior.

For instance, instead of saying “You never listen,” a better approach might be to say, “I felt unheard when I was talking about my day earlier.”

10) “That’s just how I am”

This one is a doozy: “That’s just how I am.”

It’s used as an excuse to avoid change, even when the behavior in question is hurting others.

It’s a way of saying, “I don’t care enough about your feelings to change my ways.”

We all have quirks and characteristics that make us who we are.

But when those traits hurt others and we refuse to work on them, it shows a lack of consideration.

A more mindful approach would be to acknowledge how our actions affect others and strive to improve where necessary.

11) “You’re too sensitive”

Lastly, the phrase that can cut deep: “You’re too sensitive.”

It’s a classic deflection tactic, turning the blame onto you instead of addressing the real issue.

It’s like saying, “The problem isn’t that I hurt your feelings; the problem is that you have feelings.”

But hold up – everyone’s entitled to their feelings. Brushing them off as “too sensitive” isn’t just rude—it’s downright uncool. 

A more thoughtful response would be, “I’m sorry if what I said upset you. That wasn’t my intention.”

It acknowledges the other person’s feelings without placing blame or making excuses.

Beyond words: Decode the signs of inconsideration 

In conclusion, recognizing these subtle phrases in conversation can serve as a compass for identifying inconsiderate behavior.

Whether it’s dismissive comments like “It’s not my problem” or patronizing remarks such as “If I were you,” they all reveal a lack of empathy and respect.

Let’s strive to cultivate a culture of kindness and consideration, where words uplift rather than diminish.

Remember, the power of language lies not just in what we say, but how we make others feel.