If you ever find yourself at a loss for words in awkward social situations watch this segment. Here are some helpful phrases to add to your relationship repertoire!
| Sticky Social Situation | Example | Try Saying This |
| You’re asked to do something you don’t want to do and it’s hard to say “no”. | An extended family member informs you that they are staying with you over Spring Break and you already have a full house. | “That’s just not going to work for me.” |
| You’re feeling pressured to answer on the spot. | A friend asks you about your recent marital separation in the company of others. | “Let me get back with you on that .” |
| You’re asked about someone else’s personal life | Your neighbor asks you about details of your best friend’s financial problems. | “That’s a good question to ask her/him.” |
| You’re in a heated debate or disagreement. | You and your spouse get in a no-win debate about whose fault that you were late for an important event. | “We can think different things and still be friends.” |
| Someone is expressing intense emotion about you directly to you. | Your toddler screams in the grocery store, “I hate you, mommy!” | “Wow! You’re really (feeling word) at me.” |
| You want to make a difficult request of someone else. | Your mother-in-law frequently gives unsolicited parenting, cooking, weight loss advice and you want her to only give advice when you ask for it. | “It would mean a lot to me if (your request).” |
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Self & relationship expert Julie de Azevedo Hanks, LCSW is wife of 22 years and mother of 4, a performing songwriter, a licensed psychotherapist, a popular media contributor, and director of Wasatch Family Therapy. Watch Julie on KSL TV’s Studio 5, listen on B98.7 radio, and read her national advice columns on Psych Central, and & catch her on "Time Out For Women" 2012 Tour. Follow Julie on Facebook & Twitter. |
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