Out-positive / Apology url
After a boss tells a worker that management won’t let him give the worker an expected raise
- I only wish I could have done more.
- I did the best I could.
- I’m sorry, my hands are tied.
- It might not make any sense to you, but that’s what they decided, and I hope you understand.
- I’m sorry that it’s not the answer you hoped for.
- My apologies that it took me longer to get the answer than I thought it would.
- I hope that we’ll be able to give you a better answer next time.
- I’m hoping this is something you can live with for the time being.
- I was told to explain to you that it’s due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Please give us a chance to make it up to you next time.
After a boss tells a worker that management won’t let him give the worker an expected raise
In-negative / Desperation url
Breaking up a long term relationship
- I feel torn apart inside.
- That’s really depressing.
- Things seemed to be going well when all of a sudden our plans fell through.
- It’s tearing me apart at the seams.
- I’m down in the dumps.
- I don’t want to think about it.
- I never thought it would ever come to this.
- Sometimes I think, Why bother?
- Out of the frying pan into the fire.
- I feel shattered.
- I’m afraid I made it worse.
- I made the same mistake again.
Breaking up a long term relationship
In-negative / Explaining url
Coming late for an appointment
- I just plum forgot.
- It slipped my mind.
- Forgive me, I just didn’t remember.
- I didn’t do it on purpose.
- I hope you understand.
- Please don’t take it personally.
- I knew I forgot something.
- I’ve been burning the candle at both ends.
- I’ve been crazy busy lately.
- I have a lot on my plate.
- The time just slipped through my fingers.
- I just have no sense of time.
Coming late for an appointment
Out-positive / Concern url
To a friend who is trying to decide whether to marry their boyfriend
- How do you feel about it?
- So what did you finally decide?
- Are you having second thoughts?
- You’re such a worry-wart.
- You look puzzled.
- You’re a scaredy cat.
- In your investigation, did you come up with anything?
- Perhaps you should consider being a little bit more flexible.
- You can’t be too careful.
- Why are you fighting it?
- Look before you leap.
- He who hesitates is lost.
- Perhaps you shouldn't be too judgmental.
- Have an open mind.
- I have some information, does it ring a bell?
- Don’t let yourself get rushed into it.
- Look before you leap.
To a friend who is trying to decide whether to marry their boyfriend
In-positive / Determination url
Someone offered a bribe
- I’ll never do it, no matter what you say.
- Not if I can help it.
- It will never happen again.
- I’m going to put my foot down once and for all.
- I’ve made up my mind that - once and for all - I’m going to put a stop to this.
- I’m not going to let that happen.
- We’ll put a stop to that.
- I won’t hear of it.
- I won’t budge an inch.
Someone offered a bribe
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Being offered a job
- Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.
- It’s better late than never.
- I’ll buy that.
- All’s well that ends well.
- If the shoes fits wear it.
- That works out best all around.
Being offered a job
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
We are adversaries
- It’s every man for himself.
- Let’s face it, we’re on opposite sides of the fence.
- I’m not willing to wait.
- I beg to differ with you.
- You give me no choice.
- It’s a dog eat dog world.
- I’m just acting in my own best interest, and I expect you to do the same.
- May the best man win!
- That goes both ways.
- That’s for me to know and you to find out.
- I’m ready to play hardball.
- Take it or leave it.
- Don’t ask me any questions and I won’t tell you any lies.
- I’m dead set against it.
- I need the whole kit and caboodle.
- All’s fair in love and war.
We are adversaries
In-positive / Confidence url
Planning a birthday party for a child
- Don’t worry your little head about it.
- It’s falling into place.
- That’s hardly a problem.
- I have it all figured out.
- All the plans are in place.
- You don’t have to worry about anything.
- You can put all your concerns aside and look forward to something wonderful.
Planning a birthday party for a child
Out-negative / Anger url
I’ve had enough
- I’ve had just about all I can take.
- Enough is enough.
- Now that’s the last straw.
- I think I’ve had just about enough.
- I’m fed up with it.
- I’ve had it up to here!
- I’ve had it.
- You’re getting on my nerves.
- You’ve been asking for it.
I’ve had enough
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a friend who is working very hard at a new job
- You’ll get your reward in the long run.
- Of course it’s above and beyond the call of duty.
- It’s very sorely needed, and I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.
- It’s for a worthy cause.
- When you look back on it, you’ll see that it was all worth it.
- It’s not as if you have much of a say in the matter.
- That’s a good choice.
- That’s a wise decision.
- How’s it coming?
- You’re a good man.
- Do whatever you feel you have to do, whatever you feel is necessary in the situation.
To a friend who is working very hard at a new job
Out-neutral / Advice url
Realistic-2
- The main question is, do you think you deserve better, and are you willing to make the effort to make the changes to make that happen?
- You get out of life only what you put into it.
- I didn’t mean to burst your bubble.
- You should know better that that.
- I think you’re just beating your head against a wall.
- You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
- You will reap what you sow.
- Beggars can't be choosers.
- You’ve got a long way to go.
- Let that be a lesson to you.
- Don’t buck the system.
- You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
- The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
- It doesn’t have to be that way.
- No, no, no, you’ve got it all wrong.
Realistic-2
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a friend who just scored the winning shot of a basketball game
- I think you’ve been doing your homework.
- You’ve done it again.
- You saved the day.
- I’ve really got to hand it to you.
- That’s my man.
- You’ve got the magic touch.
- It’s your lucky day.
- Your timing was perfect.
- The opportunity landed in your lap, and you made the most of it.
- Way to go!
- Attaboy!
To a friend who just scored the winning shot of a basketball game