8 common expressions socially awkward people tend to say in daily chats
Effective communication is at the heart of meaningful social interactions, yet it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Lots of people struggle with the unspoken rules of conversation because they feel nervous or unsure of themselves. Those feelings can lead to leaning on certain phrases out of habit, and those phrases can make someone seem distant, dismissive or awkward. Recognising these commonly used lines is important for improving communication and building stronger relationships.
Spotting the phrases that trip us up
There are subtle ways language can derail a conversation, often through shortcuts that sound harmless but do the opposite. For example, “You know what I mean?” is a common fallback when a speaker isn’t sure they’ve explained themselves properly. Used too often, it can make the listener feel burdened. A lighter, more inviting alternative is “Does that make sense?”, which opens the floor for a proper exchange.
Saying “I’m not a people person” often works as a defence when someone feels awkward socially, but it also shuts down any chance of proper connection, signalling that attempts to engage aren’t welcome. Moving to a topic the speaker finds easier or simply saying they’re tired (rather than dismissing the interaction) can keep the conversation flowing and the door open.
Keeping chats engaging
Some expressions, while they seem harmless, can come across as apathetic or indifferent. “Whatever” is short and dismissive, often giving the impression of a lack of interest or even condescension. Alternatives such as “I see it differently” or “That’s not really my thing” keep the discussion respectful and open without brushing someone off.
Another filler, “That’s crazy”, can show a lack of real engagement if it’s used all the time. Asking a follow-up question or adding a related comment shows curiosity and creates a more interesting conversation.
“I don’t care” can shut a discussion down and leave the speaker seeming uninterested. A better option is to express neutrality while still valuing the other person’s view, for example: “I don’t have a strong opinion — what do you think?” That keeps the exchange active and inclusive.
Encouraging accountability and empathy
Accountability and empathy matter in everyday exchanges. “It’s not my fault” repeatedly undermines trust and suggests immaturity. A more constructive line is to acknowledge what happened and focus on solutions, for instance: “I didn’t intend for that to happen — let’s figure out how to fix it.” That shows responsibility and a willingness to work together.
Phrases that cast the speaker as a perpetual victim, such as “Why does this always happen to me?”, can drain people emotionally over time. Reframing to invite empathy without demanding sympathy helps, for example: “This has been a tough week for me — have you ever experienced something similar?” That encourages connection by sharing experience rather than creating distance.
Likewise, “I’m just being honest” is often used to excuse bluntness and can come across as insensitive. Giving truthful feedback with a bit of tact is better; prefacing remarks with “From my perspective…” or “Have you thought about it this way?” keeps honesty but softens the delivery.
Improving how we communicate
To build deeper connections, replace these problematic phrases with clearer, kinder and more thoughtful alternatives. As the popular saying goes, “The words we use shape how others perceive us.” These lines may slip out of habit, but relying on them can strain conversations and push people away. Good communication isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful, adaptable and considerate. By changing how we express ourselves, we improve our interactions and strengthen the relationships that enrich our lives.