In every relationship, there are bound to be a few “what-was-I-thinking” moments.
And let’s be honest—most of them will probably be courtesy of the guy.
Sure, a slip of the tongue is inevitable now and then, but there are certain phrases that are just better left unsaid if you’d like to avoid flying frying pans or stilettos aimed at your head.
Sometimes, you’ll find yourself trapped in a no-win situation where whatever you say feels wrong. But the good news is, the following 10 phrases are completely under your control—and avoiding them can save you from unnecessary arguments.
Take notes now, thank us later when you successfully dodge a fight before it even begins.
# “Are you done getting ready yet?”Getting dressed is serious business for women. The worst thing you can do is rush her. Find something to do while she finishes up—just make sure it’s something you can pause instantly. Because while you may have waited 30 minutes for her, she will not wait 5 minutes for you to save your game. That’s just how it works.
# “Is it that time of the month again?”This is a one-way ticket to the doghouse. There’s no safe way to bring this up, so don’t. If you want to test your luck, go ahead—just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
# “You’re the spitting image of your mom!”Best case: she thinks you’re secretly into her mother. Worst case: she dislikes her mom and now feels insulted. Either way, you lose.
# “You’re really going to eat that?”Even if you’re talking about something unusual on the menu, this phrase is way too risky. Same goes for, “You’re really going to wear that?” or “You’re really going to do that?” Just delete them from your vocabulary.
# “My ex used to…”Anything involving your ex—whether it’s a compliment or a complaint—will not end well. Compliment your ex, and you’ve earned yourself a week on the couch.
# “Are you pregnant?”Unless she brings it up herself, never utter these words. Hormones, bad days, or a little weight gain are not your cue to play detective.
# “Is that what you’re wearing?”Say this and watch her confidence crumble instantly. Self-esteem: destroyed. Evening: ruined. Relationship: tested.
# “That dress makes you look curvy.”“Curvy” in your head might mean flattering, but to her it could sound like “bulky SUV in a compact parking spot.” Compliment how the dress highlights her features instead.
# “You should just relax.”Congratulations—you just set off a ticking time bomb. Never tell her to relax. Ever. You won’t regret it immediately, but trust us, payback will come.
# “I don’t know why you’re being so emotional.”
This is the conversational equivalent of poking a hornet’s nest. If you try to invalidate her feelings, prepare for a long argument, plenty of tears, and zero chance of escape.