Things that Just Don’t Warrant a Response
Sometimes it is just best to end that conversation mid-stream
There is a long-held convention that communication is made up of 55% body language, 38% voice tone and only 7% lies in actual words.
In an increasingly digital world that can certainly imply that misunderstandings might occur, especially if we rely on only written words as a communication channel.
Sometimes we feel compelled to explain ourselves or defend our position because we assume that if the receiver of our message only could ascertain our body language or tone, they would be able to better infer our meaning.
So, to combat that, we often simply use more words. Sort of like speaking slower and louder when it is evident that someone doesn’t speak our language.
I propose that sometimes one party needs to take the initiative to end the conversation. I offer that upon hearing any of the following that a person would be rightly served by simply failing to respond at all and going about their lives.
Consider when you hear any of the following that the person delivering the statement may not be willing, or possibly even capable of truly hearing anything you might say in response. In those situations the better part of valor is probably to engage in other pursuits.
Perhaps you agree? Maybe you don’t. Feel free to reply and offer your position, or to help me supplement my list. Just be warned, if the conversation involves any of these phrases, then… (I think you can guess.)
Things that Just Don’t Warrant a Response:
- Do the research
- People like you…
- That’s because you haven’t…
- Bless your heart
- You are
, so you - I am not racist but…
- I would never…
- Your generation just doesn’t understand
- That’s impossible
- That wasn’t my fault
- I can’t forgive someone that…
- I would have done that better
- Know your place
- You must have misunderstood
- I’ve got mine
- Because I am the boss
- It’s not fair
Certainly not an all-inclusive list. Do you have items to add?
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
- Will Rogers
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Timothy Key spent over 26 years in the fire service as a firefighter/paramedic and various fire chief management roles. He firmly believes that bad managers destroy more than companies, and good managers create a passion that is contagious. Compassion, grace and gratitude drive the world; or at least they should. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and join the mail list.