In-negative / Explaining url
After getting too angry at the kids
- I lost control.
- This is what I have to deal with all the time.
- Things got the better of me.
- I’m a bit overwhelmed.
- I wasn’t myself.
- I was caught off-guard.
- It goes with the territory.
- I’ve been a little on edge.
- I meant well.
- I hope you understand.
- That’s easy for you to say, but put yourself in my shoes.
- I just got carried away.
After getting too angry at the kids
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I find your viewpoint hard to understand-2
- The two things are as different as night and day.
- What are you getting at?
- You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill.
- I’ve heard that line before.
- Give me a straight answer.
- I think you’re being too narrow minded.
- Do you realize what you’re saying?
- I can’t figure you out.
- How do you explain that?
- Oh yes, didn’t you know that?
- Ah, come on now, you must be kidding.
- Now what do you mean by that?
- Why would I want to do something like that?
- I have bigger fish to fry.
I find your viewpoint hard to understand-2
Out-positive / Agreement url
If they closed 3rd Street to traffic the stores on that block would do more business.
- I think you’re onto something.
- I guess you’re right.
- That’s certainly an idea that’s worth trying.
- That sounds like a good idea to me.
- That make’s sense.
- I think they should give it a shot.
- Likewise!
If they closed 3rd Street to traffic the stores on that block would do more business.
Out-positive / Agreement url
Don’t you think there’s too much hate in the country between people?
- I feel exactly the same way.
- That goes without saying.
- Everybody knows that!
- I think you hit the nail right on the head.
- You very well may be right.
- You can say that again!
- That's as plain as the nose on your face.
- That's for sure.
- I couldn't have said it better myself.
- I know exactly how you feel.
Don’t you think there’s too much hate in the country between people?
In-negative / Doubt url
Looking for keys that were lost in the park
- It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.
- Maybe we’ve been looking in the wrong place.
- Maybe we’re barking up the wrong tree.
- I think we’re wasting our time.
- Sometimes you just have to know when to call it quits.
- Let’s just call the whole thing off.
- After all this effort, I no longer know if I’m coming or going.
- I’m totally tuckered out.
- I think it’s a lost cause.
- Let’s do something else for a while and just keep my eyes open for it.
Looking for keys that were lost in the park
Out-negative / Anger url
Shut up
- Keep your big mouth shut.
- Don’t talk behind my back.
- Don’t be coarse.
- Don’t snap at me.
- I don’t like your tone of voice.
- Shut your trap.
- You have a foul mouth.
- Take that back.
Shut up
Out-neutral / Advice url
Lighten up
- Don’t work so hard.
- Do it the easy way.
- Lighten up.
- Don’t take it so seriously.
- Why make things more complicated than they really are?
- Take the easy way out.
Lighten up
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a child who finished their homework
- Now that didn’t take so long, did it?
- Good for you.
- That sounds just great.
- Perfect!
- That was a very admirable thing to do.
- Awesome!
- Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?
- Aren’t you glad that’s over with?
- Don’t you admit that it looked like it was going to be much harder than it turned out to be?
- See what you are capable of doing when you put your mind to it?
- That's my girl!
To a child who finished their homework
In-negative / Explaining url
Hitting the neighbor's dog with a car
- It took me completely by surprise.
- It came out of the blue.
- It really threw me for a loop.
- I take full responsibility for it.
- The experience has shaken me to the core.
- I had to make a split second decision.
- I had to save my own skin.
- It scared me half to death.
- It really shook me up.
- It’s a very unusual occurrence.
- How do you think I feel?
- Do you think I did it on purpose?
- I don’t know what to say.
- When push comes to shove, it’s not something I could have prevented.
- It was a freak accident.
- It happened in a blink of an eye.
- It sent shivers up my spine.
Hitting the neighbor's dog with a car
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Not catching a fish
- Kiss this one goodbye.
- It’s not like I have much of a choice.
- I’ll be darned if I can help it.
- That’s the way it is.
- It’s not that bad.
- There’s not much I can do about it now.
- I’m going to let bygones be bygones.
Not catching a fish
Out-neutral / Advice url
Move on
- Let it slide, let it go, don’t pay it any mind.
- Don’t give it another thought.
- I’d just not think about it if I were you.
- Make the best of it.
- Make the best of the situation.
- Don’t get bogged down.
- A change of scenery will do you a world of good.
- Don’t cry over spilled milk.
- Don’t pay it any mind.
- Don’t focus on the negative, look at the bright side.
Move on
Out-neutral / Advice url
Trust me
- I won’t steer you wrong.
- Please take my advice.
- I’ll know when the time is right.
- Heed what I am saying.
- Do as I say, not as I do.
- Take a tip from me.
- That’s a solemn promise.
- Now pay attention to what I’m trying to tell you, and I want your undivided attention.
- Mark my words that as sure as I’m standing here, what I’m saying is the honest truth.
- Just stick with me.
Trust me