Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a High School student who won the science fair
- You’re a real expert.
- That needed out of the box thinking, and you rose to the occasion.
- You should be proud of the fact that you did it all by yourself, with almost no help from anyone else.
- You just scratched the surface of what you can accomplish.
- I guess you’re curious about what makes things tick.
- It’s right up your alley.
To a High School student who won the science fair
Out-neutral / Advice url
Skeptic
- The chances of that happening are pretty close to zero.
- If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you.
- Nothing lasts forever.
- You can’t believe everything you hear.
- I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you.
- It’s not worth it.
- I think you’re expecting something that’s not realistic.
- I don’t think that’s such a good idea.
- Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot.
- That’s not a good idea.
- There’s more to it than meets the eye.
- You can’t judge a book by its cover.
- It’s not what it’s cracked up to be.
- Take it with a grain of salt.
- You have to read between the lines.
Skeptic
In-negative / Doubt url
To friend who claims he knows how to win the lottery
- The chances of that happening are pretty close to zero.
- How do you figure that?
- You don’t say?
- Don’t count on it.
- You can’t mean that.
- It doesn’t work that way.
- That’s what they all say.
- How can you be so cock-sure of yourself?
- It’s all in your head.
- It’s not very likely to happen that way.
- It’s about time you started being realistic.
- Wake up and smell the coffee.
To friend who claims he knows how to win the lottery
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Let’s pause & cool it off for now
- I think we should leave it well enough alone.
- It doesn’t matter.
- Let’s just call it a day.
- Let’s leave it at that for now.
- You don’t have to decide right away, because the offer is always open.
- Let’s change the subject.
- The less said about it, the better.
- Let’s leave it at that.
- Let’s sleep on it.
- Let’s just call it quits for now, OK?
Let’s pause & cool it off for now
Out-positive / Concern url
Visiting a friend who is recovering from an operation
- I hope you’re feeling better.
- Can I get you something?
- You look a little better than before.
- Now, that wasn’t so painful, was it?
- I’m glad to see that you’re up and about.
- How are you doing?
- I was sick with worry.
- Would you like something?
- Put your mind at ease.
- I was worried sick about it.
- Coming to visit was the least I could do.
- Thank goodness the body has a way of healing itself.
- If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.
- You have my blessings.
- Is everything OK?
Visiting a friend who is recovering from an operation
Out-positive / Agreement url
If I get another junk phone call, I think I’ll scream
- I think that would be a totally appropriate and natural response.
- That’s totally understandable.
- I don’t blame you.
- I know the feeling.
- I feel exactly the same way.
- Same here.
- I fully understand that.
If I get another junk phone call, I think I’ll scream
Out-negative / Annoyed url
You are very annoying
- I’m warning you.
- I have a bone to pick with you.
- You think you’re hot stuff, don’t you?
- Oh, give me a break!
- I am completely fed up.
- You wouldn’t recognize it if it was staring you in your face.
- It’s ridiculous already.
- You're starting off on the wrong foot.
- I smell a rat.
- That’s just not acceptable behavior.
- Shame on you!
- It serves you right.
- You’re a royal pain in the neck.
- Enough already!
- Don’t get me started.
- My patience is wearing thin.
- What makes you think that you’re such a priveledged character?
- Don’t do me any favors.
You are very annoying
Out-neutral / Advice url
Examine-2
- Get both sides of the story.
- There’s more to it than that.
- There’s more to it that meets the eye.
- Take note of it.
- Get to the root of the problem.
- Keep your eyes peeled.
- You’ll see.
- A picture is worth a thousand words
Examine-2
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Getting a doctor’s appointment in 3 months
- Its better late than never.
- All in good time.
- Does it really make such a difference?
- It really doesn’t matter.
- It’ll happen before we know it.
- All things happen to those who wait.
Getting a doctor’s appointment in 3 months
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Asking someone for a date, and being told no
- I’m hearing the message loud and clear.
- All’s fair in love and war.
- Time heals all wounds.
- I could have guessed as much.
- I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
- It doesn’t matter to me in the least.
- I get the drift.
- That’s just the way people are.
- I don’t really mind.
- Love makes the world go around.
- Your wish is my command.
- You can’t say I didn’t try.
Asking someone for a date, and being told no
In-positive / Surprise url
A friend wins the race for mayor
- Now that takes the cake!
- Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.
- In all my years of experience I’ve never seen anything like it.
- Wasn’t that a real kick in the pants?
- Oh, my goodness.
- It left me speechless.
- Isn’t that a kick in the pants?
- How do you like them apples?
A friend wins the race for mayor
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