Master Repartee with This One Sentence for Any Situation Witty repartee can transform awkward or tense conversations, and communication coach Emmanuel Chila offers a simple sentence to master it: “What do you mean?” As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen how effective communication reduces conflict stress. Let’s explore this technique, its mental … Read more
How to Respond to Condescending Remarks with Class and Confidence Condescending remarks, with their subtle sting of superiority, can unsettle anyone in a conversation, leaving you feeling diminished. Behavioral specialist Ava Sinclair, writing for HackSpirit, and workplace expert Amy Gallo, in Harvard Business Review, offer elegant, effective sentences to respond with poise, like “Thank you … Read more
8 Personality Traits That Shape Your Relationships, According to a Psychologist Ever wondered why some conversations spark joy while others fizzle? Psychologist Dr. Émile Guibert, writing for Elle magazine, outlines eight personality profiles—nervous, emotional, angry, enthusiastic, sanguine, phlegmatic, amorphous, and indifferent—that shape how we love, argue, and connect. Understanding these traits, Guibert argues, is a … Read more
8 Signs Someone Isn’t Listening to You and How It Affects Your Mental Health Ever felt like your words vanish into thin air during a conversation? Dr. Mary Heartwell-Walker, in PsychCentral, lists eight signs someone isn’t truly listening, from distracted fidgeting to premature advice. Dr. Susan Heitler, in Psychology Today, attributes poor listening to biases … Read more
Decoding ‘I’m Fine’: Hidden Meanings and Mental Health Insights When someone says, “I’m fine,” we often take it at face value, but those two words can mask a storm of emotions. Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, warns that “I’m fine” is sometimes a shield, hiding struggles due to fear, shame, or … Read more
Toxic Phrases to Avoid in Your Relationship for Better Mental Health Ever said something in the heat of an argument you instantly regretted? Words can wound, turning a simple disagreement into an emotional rift. Dr. Kier Gaines and Dr. Alexandra Solomon, in a New York Times interview, warn that certain phrases—like “You always…” or “Calm … Read more
The Small Daily Lie That Can Destroy Your Relationship and Mental Health Ever brushed off a partner’s “Are you okay?” with a quick “Yeah, I’m fine,” when you’re anything but? It seems harmless, but this small daily lie can erode trust and connection in a relationship. As a psychology professor with decades of experience, I’ve … Read more