There’s a fine line between being assertive and being difficult.

The line is often drawn by the words we choose to use.

You see, when someone is difficult to get along with, it’s often because they’re using phrases that put others on the defensive. They might not even realize the impact of their words.

On the flip side, understanding these phrases can help us avoid falling into the same trap.

Here are 10 phrases that, when used in conversation, might just indicate that someone isn’t the easiest person to get along with.

Let’s dive in.

1) Whatever

Navigating conversations can be a tricky business, and some phrases make it even trickier.

“Whatever” is one such phrase. It might seem innocuous enough, but there’s often an underlying tone of dismissiveness.

This single word can often be a telltale sign of a difficult person. It shows an unwillingness to engage in meaningful conversation or consider other perspectives.

When someone uses “whatever” in response to your thoughts or ideas, it’s often a sign that they’re not interested in understanding you, but more in asserting their dominance in the conversation.

Conversation is about give and take. If someone is shutting down the dialogue with “whatever,” it’s a pretty clear sign they’re not the easiest person to get along with. That’s our first red flag. Let’s move on to the next one.

2) I’m just being honest

We all value honesty, right? But there’s a difference between being honest and being brutally honest to the point of insensitivity.

Trust me, I’ve experienced it firsthand. I remember, a while back, I was sharing my plans about a new project with a friend. His response? “I’m just being honest, but that sounds like a terrible idea.”

Instead of offering constructive criticism or asking more about the project to understand it better, he used “I’m just being honest” as a cover to dismiss my idea outright.

This phrase often indicates someone who uses honesty as a guise for delivering unnecessary and often hurtful comments. It’s another sign of someone who may not be the easiest to get along with.

3) No offense, but…

“No offense, but…” is another phrase that should raise your eyebrows. It’s often followed by something offensive or hurtful.

This phrase has become a linguistic phenomenon of sorts. A study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to make negative statements when they preface it with “no offense.”

It’s like a free pass to say something potentially offensive while absolving oneself of the consequences. Not exactly the hallmark of an easy person to get along with, wouldn’t you agree?

4) I’m not arguing, I’m just saying…

When someone uses the phrase “I’m not arguing, I’m just saying…” it often means they are, in fact, arguing. This is a common phrase used by people who are trying to assert their point of view without taking responsibility for the disagreement it might cause.

It’s a subtle way of sneaking in an argumentative statement while trying to maintain the guise of a peaceful conversation.

This kind of linguistic gymnastics can make someone difficult to converse with, as it shows a lack of willingness to engage in open and fair discussion.

5) You always…

The phrase “You always…” is a sweeping generalization that can put anyone on the defensive. It’s a sign of someone who takes a single instance and extends it to define your entire character or behavior.

This kind of blanket statement is not only unfair but also shows a lack of understanding and empathy.

It can make conversations feel like personal attacks rather than open dialogues, leading to strained relationships.

This phrase is often used by people who are not easy to get along with.

6) It’s not my problem

When someone uses the phrase “It’s not my problem,” it can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you’re reaching out for help or understanding.

This phrase shows a lack of empathy and a refusal to offer support, even when it’s in their capacity to do so. It draws a clear line between their world and yours, suggesting they’re not interested in stepping out of their comfort zone to lend a hand.

Conversations are about connection, understanding, and sometimes, offering help. When a person constantly uses this phrase, it might be an indication that they’re not the most pleasant individual to deal with.

7) I don’t care

“I don’t care” is a phrase that can cut deep. It’s almost like saying “your thoughts or feelings don’t matter to me”.

I remember when I was younger and excitedly sharing my plans for a career change, only to have someone respond with an indifferent “I don’t care”. It felt like a dismissal of my passions and ideas.

This phrase indicates a level of indifference that can be hurtful and damaging. If it crops up frequently in a person’s conversation, it’s a strong sign that they could be difficult to get along with.

8) Just kidding

“Just kidding” might seem like a harmless phrase, often used to lighten the mood or diffuse a tense situation. However, when used excessively and inappropriately, it can be a sign of someone who uses humor as a shield to avoid accountability for their words.

This phrase can often be used to mask hurtful comments under the guise of a joke, making it harder for the recipient to express their discomfort or objection. It’s a clever way of dodging responsibility for one’s words and can make a person difficult to engage with on a deeper level.

9) It’s just business

The phrase “It’s just business” is often used as an excuse for actions that might be seen as cold, ruthless, or uncaring. It’s a way of separating personal feelings from decisions and actions, often at the expense of others.

When someone frequently uses this phrase, it can indicate a lack of empathy or understanding of the personal impact of their actions. It creates a divide between the personal and the professional, often making that person hard to connect with on a deeper level.

10) Because I said so

Undeniably, the phrase “Because I said so” is the ultimate conversation stopper. It’s an assertion of authority that leaves no room for discussion or understanding.

When someone uses this phrase, they’re basically saying that their word is the final say in the matter, disregarding any potential for dialogue or compromise. This is a particularly difficult behavior to deal with, as it can shut down any chance of meaningful or productive conversations. It’s important to understand that open communication is key to any relationship, and anyone using this phrase frequently might be a challenging person to get along with.