{"id":19753,"date":"2026-09-25T16:16:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T16:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/?p=19753"},"modified":"2026-09-25T16:16:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T16:16:46","slug":"100-questions-and-answers-about-what-and-when-to-say-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/?p=19753","title":{"rendered":"100 questions and answers about what and when to say right"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Workplace & Professional Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. When is the right time to ask for a raise, and what should you say?<\/strong>
Say it during a performance review or after successfully completing a major project. What to say: “Based on my recent contributions, specifically [Project X], which increased revenue by Y%, I\u2019d like to discuss adjusting my salary to reflect my current level of impact.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What should you say when you don’t know the answer in a meeting?<\/strong>
Never fake it; it destroys trust. Say: “That’s a great question. I don’t have the exact data in front of me, but I will look into it and get back to you by end of day.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How do you gracefully decline taking on more work when you’re already overwhelmed?<\/strong>
Say it immediately when asked, not after you’ve stalled. What to say: “I would love to help with this, but my plate is currently at capacity. If this is a priority, can we discuss which of my other tasks can be paused?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. When is the right time to give negative feedback, and what is the phrasing?<\/strong>
Give it privately, as close to the event as possible. Say: “I noticed [specific behavior], which resulted in [specific impact]. Can we talk about what happened and how to approach it differently next time?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. What to say when your boss gives you unrealistic deadlines?<\/strong>
Say it during the initial briefing, not when the deadline looms. Say: “I want to deliver this at the high quality we expect. To do that, I\u2019ll need X more days. If we must hit this date, which features can we cut?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. How do you ask for clarification without sounding incompetent?<\/strong>
Ask immediately; waiting leads to bigger mistakes. Say: “I want to make sure we are perfectly aligned on the expectations. Could you clarify what you mean by [ambiguous term]?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. What to say when a colleague takes credit for your idea?<\/strong>
Address it privately within a day or two. Say: “I was surprised when my idea about X was presented as a collective thought yesterday. In the future, I\u2019d appreciate being credited when my contributions are shared.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. When should you apologize at work, and what makes a good apology?<\/strong>
Apologize immediately when you’ve made a tangible error. Say: “I made a mistake by doing X, which caused Y. I take full responsibility. Here is what I am doing to fix it and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. What to say when you need to interrupt someone who is rambling?<\/strong>
Wait for them to take a breath, then say: “To make sure I\u2019m valuing your time and mine, let me see if I can summarize your point so far…” This forces a pause without rudeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. How do you announce your resignation without burning bridges?<\/strong>
Say it privately to your boss first, before telling any peers. Say: “I\u2019ve accepted an offer that aligns with my long-term goals. I\u2019m committed to making the next two weeks as seamless as possible for the team.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. What to say when a coworker vents to you about management?<\/strong>
Say it in the moment to avoid being implicated. Say: “I can see why you\u2019re frustrated. I prefer to keep our conversations focused on work solutions rather than office politics, but I hope you get it resolved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. When is it right to say “no” to a client, and how?<\/strong>
Say it when the request violates your scope or ethics. Say: “We value our partnership, but this request falls outside our agreed scope. We can absolutely accommodate it with an adjusted timeline and budget.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. What to say when you accidentally overshare personal info at work?<\/strong>
Correct it immediately but lightly. Say: “That was more of a vent than I intended for the workplace! Let me steer us back to the project timeline.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. How do you ask for a promotion when there is no open role?<\/strong>
Say it during a 1-on-1 when you\u2019ve consistently exceeded expectations. Say: “I\u2019ve taken on X and Y responsibilities beyond my current role. I\u2019d like to discuss a title change that reflects this scope.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. What to say when you receive a compliment at work?<\/strong>
Say it immediately. Say: “Thank you, I appreciate that. I put a lot of effort into the presentation.” Never deflect or minimize your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romantic Relationships<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

16. When is the right time to say “I love you” for the first time?<\/strong>
Say it when you feel it genuinely, not as a reaction to a great date or a gift. Wait for a calm, private moment. Say: “I\u2019ve been feeling this for a while, and I want you to know I love you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. What should you say when your partner asks, “Do I look fat in this?”<\/strong>
Focus on reassurance, not objective assessment. Say: “You look beautiful to me. I love how that color looks on you.” Never answer a trap question with objective criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. How do you bring up a recurring issue without starting a fight?<\/strong>
Say it when both of you are calm and fed, not during an argument. Say: “Hey, can we talk about the chores? I\u2019ve been feeling overwhelmed lately and I\u2019d love to figure out a system together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. When should you say “we need a break”?<\/strong>
Say it when you are both in a rational state, not in the heat of a screaming match. Say: “I care about us, but we are stuck in a negative cycle. I think we need a structured weekend apart to reset and reflect.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. What to say when you need alone time without hurting your partner’s feelings?<\/strong>
Say it proactively, before you feel resentful. Say: “I\u2019ve had a really draining day and I just need an hour to decompress alone, and then I\u2019ll be fully present for us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. How do you express that your partner’s family is crossing a boundary?<\/strong>
Say it privately to your partner, never to the family directly. Say: “I love your parents, but when they drop by unannounced, it makes me anxious. Can we agree on asking them to call first?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. What should you say if you feel your partner is neglecting you?<\/strong>
Say it using “I” statements, not accusations. Say: “I feel disconnected from you lately and I miss our quality time. Can we plan a date night this week?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. When is the right time to discuss finances with a partner?<\/strong>
Once you are discussing moving in together or making long-term commitments. Say: “Before we take this next step, I think it\u2019s important we are transparent about our financial situations and goals.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. What to say when your partner makes a decision without consulting you?<\/strong>
Say it when the initial shock wears off. Say: “I was hurt that you booked this trip without talking to me first. In the future, I need us to consult on decisions that affect both of our schedules.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. How do you respond to a partner saying “I’m fine” when they clearly aren’t?<\/strong>
Say it gently, giving them space. Say: “I can tell you’re upset, and I want to understand, but I won’t push. When you’re ready to talk, I’m here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. What to say when your partner expresses an insecurity?<\/strong>
Validate before reassuring. Say: “It makes sense you feel that way given your past, but I want you to know I see you as incredibly capable, and I’m not going anywhere.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

27. When is it right to say “I’m sorry” without admitting fault?<\/strong>
When you want to express empathy for your partner’s pain. Say: “I am so sorry you are hurting and that my actions contributed to that. I want to understand how to make it better.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28. What to say when you realize you’re falling out of love?<\/strong>
Say it with compassion, sooner rather than later. Say: “I\u2019ve been struggling with my feelings lately, and I feel a distance growing between us. I think we need to talk about where we are at.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

29. How do you ask for more intimacy without sounding demanding?<\/strong>
Say it focusing on connection, not performance. Say: “I miss feeling close to you. Can we just cuddle on the couch tonight without any expectations?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30. What to say when your partner gets defensive during feedback?<\/strong>
Pause and say: “I\u2019m not attacking you; I\u2019m bringing this up because I want us to be closer. How can I phrase this differently so we can talk about it constructively?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Dynamics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

31. What to say when parents give unsolicited parenting advice?<\/strong>
Say it firmly but warmly in the moment. Say: “Thanks for caring, but we are comfortable with our approach on this one. I’ll definitely ask you if I need advice!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

32. How do you tell a family member they need to seek therapy?<\/strong>
Say it out of love, during a calm moment, not after a breakdown. Say: “I love you and I hate seeing you struggle with this. Have you considered talking to a professional who can give you the tools I can’t?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

33. When should you tell your aging parents they can’t live alone anymore?<\/strong>
Bring it up when there are close calls (falls, left stove on), before a crisis. Say: “Mom, that fall really scared us. Let’s look at some assisted living options together so we can all have peace of mind.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

34. What to say when a sibling constantly borrows money and doesn’t pay it back?<\/strong>
Say it the next time they ask, not after you’ve given the money. Say: “I love you, but I can’t lend you money anymore. It\u2019s putting a strain on our relationship, and our relationship is more important to me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

35. How do you respond to invasive questions about when you’ll have kids?<\/strong>
Say it with a boundary-setting smile. Say: “We\u2019re really happy with how our life is right now. We\u2019ll let you know if there\u2019s any news to share!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

36. What to say to diffuse a political argument at family dinner?<\/strong>
Say it the moment voices raise. Say: “I don’t think we’re going to change each other’s minds on this, and I want to enjoy our time together. Let’s agree to disagree and change the subject.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

37. When is the right time to tell your child the truth about Santa?<\/strong>
When they start asking logical questions that indicate doubt. Say: “What do you think? …The real magic of Christmas is the spirit of giving, and now you get to be part of the team that creates that magic.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38. What to say when a parent criticizes your career choice?<\/strong>
Say it confidently, without defensiveness. Say: “I know you worry about my stability, but this path fulfills me deeply. I’d love your support, even if it doesn’t make sense to you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

39. How do you set boundaries with a family member who calls too much?<\/strong>
Say it during a normal call, not when you’re annoyed. Say: “I love our chats, but I\u2019m not able to talk during the workday. Let’s schedule a call for Sunday afternoons instead.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

40. What to say when a relative makes a racist or inappropriate joke?<\/strong>
Say it immediately but calmly. Say: “I know you didn’t mean harm, but that kind of joke makes me uncomfortable and I’d appreciate it if we kept things respectful.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friendships & Social Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

41. How do you tell a friend they have bad breath or something in their teeth?<\/strong>
Say it immediately, quietly, and directly. Say: “Hey, you’ve got a little spinach in your teeth\u2014wanted to save you from any embarrassment!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

42. What to say when you have to cancel plans last minute?<\/strong>
Apologize immediately, give a brief honest reason, and offer to reschedule. Say: “I am so sorry to cancel on you today, I’m feeling really under the weather. Can I treat you to dinner next week to make it up?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

43. When is the right time to confront a friend about talking behind your back?<\/strong>
As soon as you hear about it, privately. Say: “I heard that you said X to Y. I feel hurt and betrayed. I need us to be able to talk directly to each other.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

44. What to say when a friend never reaches out first?<\/strong>
Say it when you’re feeling disconnected, not accusatory. Say: “I feel like I\u2019m always initiating our hangouts, which makes me wonder if you actually want to spend time together. Are we good?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

45. How do you decline being a bridesmaid\/best man?<\/strong>
Say it as soon as the proposal happens, with gratitude and honesty. Say: “I am so honored you asked, but I don’t have the financial\/time bandwidth to do this role justice. I want to be there for you as a guest instead.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

46. What to say when a friend overshares on social media in a concerning way?<\/strong>
Reach out privately immediately. Say: “Hey, your posts lately have me worried about you. How are you really doing? I’m here if you want to talk.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

47. When should you tell a friend their partner is cheating?<\/strong>
Tell them as soon as you have undeniable proof, privately. Say: “This is incredibly hard to say, but I have proof that [Partner] is seeing someone else. I am so sorry, but I couldn’t keep it from you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

48. What to say to a friend who is always negative?<\/strong>
Say it when you feel drained after a hangout. Say: “I love you, but lately our conversations have been really negative. I want to support you, but I also need us to talk about things that bring us joy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

49. How do you ask a friend to pay you back without sounding harsh?<\/strong>
Say it casually but directly, assuming they forgot. Say: “Hey, just doing my budgeting for the month\u2014were you able to transfer that $50 for dinner the other night?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50. What to say when someone introduces you by the wrong name?<\/strong>
Correct it immediately with grace. Say: “It’s actually [Correct Name], close enough! Nice to meet you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

51. How do you respond to a backhanded compliment?<\/strong>
Say it by addressing the hidden insult with polite curiosity. Say: “What did you mean by ‘you look good for your age’?” Forcing them to explain usually diffuses the slight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

52. What to say when you arrive at a party and don’t know anyone?<\/strong>
Approach a lone person or the host. Say: “Hi, I’m [Name]. I only know the host, so I’m on a mission to meet at least three new people tonight. How do you know them?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

53. When is it right to end a friendship, and what do you say?<\/strong>
When the relationship is toxic and unrepairable. Say: “I\u2019ve realized that our friendship is no longer healthy for me. I need to step back from this relationship. I wish you the best.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grief, Hardship & Emotional Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

54. What to say to someone who just lost a loved one?<\/strong>
Say it immediately and simply. Say: “I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am here for you.” Avoid platitudes like “they are in a better place.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

55. When should you bring up the deceased person’s name again?<\/strong>
Months later, when everyone else has stopped mentioning them. Say: “I was thinking about [Name] today and remembered that time they did X. It made me smile.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

56. What to say when someone says “Why did this happen to me?”<\/strong>
Don’t offer theological or philosophical answers. Say: “I don’t know why this happened, and it’s incredibly unfair. You have every right to be angry.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

57. How do you offer help to someone going through a crisis?<\/strong>
Say it immediately, but be specific. Don’t say “let me know what you need.” Say: “I’m bringing dinner by on Tuesday. Do you prefer chicken or pasta?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

58. What to say when visiting someone in the hospital?<\/strong>
Keep it light and brief. Say: “It is so good to see you. I just wanted to drop by and bring you this, but I don’t want to tire you out. I’ll stay just 10 minutes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

59. When is the right time to tell someone to “move on” from grief?<\/strong>
Never. It is never the right time. Grief shifts but doesn’t disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

60. What to say when someone miscarries?<\/strong>
Say: “I am so sorry for your loss. I am holding you and your partner in my thoughts.” Never say “at least you can get pregnant” or “it wasn’t meant to be.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

61. What to say when someone is going through a divorce?<\/strong>
Say: “I am so sorry you are going through this. How are you holding up?” Never bash the ex unless your friend does first, and even then, tread lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

62. How do you respond to someone having a panic attack?<\/strong>
Say it calmly, anchoring them. Say: “You are safe. I am right here with you. Let’s just focus on taking a breath. Inhale with me…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

63. What to say when someone shares they have a chronic illness?<\/strong>
Say: “Thank you for trusting me with this. What does a good day look like for you, and how can I help you have more of those?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

64. When should you check in on someone after a major life failure?<\/strong>
Check in 3-4 days later, after the initial flood of support dies down. Say: “Hey, I know the dust is still settling, but I\u2019m thinking about you and available if you need a distraction or a vent session.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

65. What to say when someone cries in front of you at work?<\/strong>
Hand them a tissue and say: “Take all the time you need. There is no judgment here. I’ll step out and give you a moment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflict & Confrontation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

66. What to say when someone is yelling at you?<\/strong>
Say it calmly and firmly to set a boundary. Say: “I want to hear what you are saying, but I will not engage with you while you are yelling. Let’s talk when we can both speak calmly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

67. How do you apologize when you are only partially at fault?<\/strong>
Apologize only for your part, clearly. Say: “I am sorry for raising my voice. That was uncalled for. However, I still stand by my concern regarding the issue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

68. When is the right time to bring up a past conflict?<\/strong>
Bring it up when a similar trigger occurs, not as a weapon. Say: “This situation feels similar to what happened last month. Can we talk about why this keeps happening?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

69. What to say when someone gives you the silent treatment?<\/strong>
Say it once, then give them space. Say: “I notice you’re withdrawing, and I find that difficult. When you’re ready to communicate, I’m open to talking.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

70. How do you respond to an unreasonable demand?<\/strong>
Say it without justifying yourself. Say: “I understand this is important to you, but I am not willing to agree to that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

71. What to say when someone passive-aggressively insults you?<\/strong>
Take it literally to force clarity. Say: “What did you mean by that comment?” Making them explain usually stops the behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

72. When should you stand up for a stranger being harassed?<\/strong>
Immediately. What to say to the victim: “Are you okay? I’m standing right here with you.” What to say to the harasser: “Leave them alone, that is completely unacceptable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

73. What to say when you realize mid-argument that you are wrong?<\/strong>
Say it immediately; it builds massive trust. Say: “Actually, wait. I need to backtrack. You’re right about X, and I was wrong. Let’s adjust our plan based on that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

74. How do you de-escalate a conversation that is going in circles?<\/strong>
Say: “I feel like we are going in circles. Let’s take a 20-minute break to collect our thoughts and come back to this with fresh eyes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

75. What to say when someone gaslights you?<\/strong>
Say: “I remember it differently, and I trust my recollection. We are not going to agree on the past, so let’s just focus on how to move forward.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boundaries & Self-Advocacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

76. How do you say “no” without feeling guilty?<\/strong>
Say it promptly and without a long apology. Say: “I appreciate the invite, but I can’t make it.” “No” is a complete sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

77. What to say when someone tries to touch you in a way you don’t like?<\/strong>
Say it physically stepping back, immediately. Say: “Please don’t do that, I’m not a touchy person.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

78. When is the right time to tell someone you love them but don’t like them right now?<\/strong>
Say it when you need space from a close relationship. Say: “I love you, but I am really frustrated with your behavior right now, and I need some distance.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

79. What to say when someone asks a highly inappropriate interview question?<\/strong>
Redirect with professionalism. Say: “I’m not sure how that relates to my ability to perform the core duties of this role. Could you elaborate on what you’re looking for?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

80. How do you tell someone they smell bad?<\/strong>
In private, with extreme empathy. Say: “I’m so embarrassed to bring this up, and I’d want someone to tell me, but I noticed a scent today. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case it’s a new medication or something.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

81. What to say to stop someone from gossiping to you?<\/strong>
Say it as soon as the gossip starts. Say: “I’m trying to get out of the habit of talking about people who aren’t in the room. Let’s talk about our own lives instead!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

82. When should you disclose a mental health condition to an employer?<\/strong>
Only if you are requesting a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Say: “I am dealing with a medical condition that requires a minor adjustment to my schedule to maintain peak performance.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

83. What to say when someone oversteps your boundaries after you’ve set them?<\/strong>
Say it with immediate reinforcement. Say: “I asked that we not discuss my dating life, and you just brought it up again. I’m going to end this conversation now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

84. How do you advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office when they dismiss your pain?<\/strong>
Say it firmly, documenting it. Say: “I understand you don’t feel this is urgent, but my pain is severely impacting my daily life. I would like this symptom documented in my chart and a referral to a specialist.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

85. What to say when someone insists you drink alcohol at a social event?<\/strong>
Say it without making a big deal. Say: “No thanks, I’m good with water.” If they push: “I don’t drink, and I’m not interested in debating it. Thanks!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross-Cultural & Contextual Nuance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

86. What to say when you accidentally mispronounce someone’s name?<\/strong>
Correct it immediately, don’t ignore it. Say: “I am so sorry, I know that’s not how you say it. Could you pronounce it for me so I get it right?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

87. How do you ask about someone’s cultural background without being offensive?<\/strong>
Ask openly, letting them choose how much to share. Say: “I’d love to learn more about your background if you’re open to sharing, but no pressure at all.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

88. When is it right to use humor to break bad news?<\/strong>
Only if you are 100% certain of the person’s humor style, and never for life-altering news. Say: “Well, the good news is we have a great story for the next team retreat. The bad news is…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

89. What to say when someone uses a pronoun you aren’t used to?<\/strong>
Simply correct yourself smoothly and move on. If you mess up: “Sorry, I mean [correct pronoun].” Don’t over-apologize; it makes the trans person comfort you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

90. How do you apologize across a language barrier?<\/strong>
Keep words simple and use universal gestures of contrition. Say: “I am sorry. My mistake. I will fix it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

91. What to say when you witness a cultural faux pas from a friend?<\/strong>
Tell them privately immediately. Say: “Hey, in this culture, doing X is considered very rude. Just a heads-up so you don’t accidentally offend our host.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

92. When should you adapt your communication style to a senior vs. a peer?<\/strong>
With seniors, be formal and bottom-line-up-front (BLUF). With peers, you can be collaborative and exploratory. Say to senior: “My recommendation is X because of Y.” Say to peer: “What do you think about trying X?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

93. What to say when you don’t understand a cultural reference?<\/strong>
Admit ignorance enthusiastically. Say: “I have no idea what that reference means, but it sounds fascinating. Can you explain it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

94. How do you say no to a gift without offending the giver?<\/strong>
In some cultures, refusing is an insult. If you must decline: Say “Your generosity humbles me. Unfortunately, I cannot accept this due to company policy\/personal rules, but the gesture means the world to me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

95. What to say when traveling and someone asks a question about your country’s controversial politics?<\/strong>
Deflect with nuance. Say: “It’s a complex situation back home, and opinions are very divided. I’m actually more interested in learning how you handle similar issues here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humor, Defusing Tension & Everyday Nuance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

96. How do you recover after telling a joke that completely bombs?<\/strong>
Acknowledge it lightly without begging for laughs. Say: “Well, that sounded much funnier in my head. Moving on!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

97. What to say when there’s an awkward silence on a first date?<\/strong>
Embrace it briefly, then pivot. Say: “So, what’s a topic you could talk about for hours if someone gave you the floor?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

98. When is it right to use self-deprecation?<\/strong>
Use it to show humility after a win, never to fish for compliments or devalue your actual worth. Say: “I managed to fix the code, though it took me three cups of coffee and a lot of muttering.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

99. What to say when you bump into someone you dated years ago?<\/strong>
Be warm and brief. Say: “Hey! It is so good to see you. I hope life has been treating you wonderfully.” Keep walking so neither feels trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

100. What to say when you just don’t want to talk today?<\/strong>
Say it preemptively. Say: “Hey, I’m feeling pretty socially burnt out today and just need some quiet time. I’m not ignoring you, just recharging.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-questions-answers","category-society-culture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19753"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19753\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19754,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19753\/revisions\/19754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}