In-positive / Surprise url
A friend leaves town without telling anyone
- He’s vanished into thin air.
- He suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth.
- It happened in a way that we least expected.
- I’m in a state of shock.
- You’ve got to be kidding me.
- I had a sneaking suspicion that this was going to happen.
- I would never have suspected that.
- Woah, I am shocked.
A friend leaves town without telling anyone
Out-negative / Annoyed url
You are wrong-2
- This is highway robbery.
- I think you owe me an apology.
- I think what you are doing stinks.
- You’ve got it backwards.
- You’ve got some nerve.
- How could you even think of doing this?
- There’s no excuse for it.
- That was uncalled for.
- I ought to pity you.
- That was uncalled for!
- You don’t know what you’re talking about.
You are wrong-2
In-neutral / Caution url
Remembering being lost in the woods
- The memory makes my skin crawl.
- That was a hair raising experience.
- For a while it was touch and go.
- It all came down to the wire.
- I was in trouble up to my ears.
- It was the moment of truth.
- It kind of snuck up on me.
- Just the memory sends a chill up and down my spine.
- There’s a big difference between what I expected and what actually happened.
- There was no easy way out.
- It seemed like an eternity.
- I wasn't counting on it happening the way it did.
- The way it turned out was totally unexpected.
Remembering being lost in the woods
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-positive / Remembering url
Meeting a friend from childhood
- Those were the good old days.
- Just for old time’s sake.
- There’s been a lot of water under the bridge since we saw each other last.
- It’s been a long time.
- I feel just like I was a little kid again.
- We go back a long way.
- From time to time I remember the good old days, the way things used to be.
- Our friendship goes back for as long as I can remember.
- I remember you from way back when, and you haven’t changed a bit.
Meeting a friend from childhood
Out-positive / Agreement url
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
- You could make a case for that.
- I think you might have a point.
- I couldn't agree with you more.
- That makes the two of us.
- That's my sentiments exactly.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that you may be right.
- That's as plain as day.
- I'm with you.
- What you're saying has the ring of truth.
- I’ll take your word for it.
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
In-positive / Determination url
Husband and wife trying to work things out
- This a golden opportunity.
- Let’s take care of this right now.
- Time to switch gears.
- We’ve put it off long enough.
- Let’s see what we can do about it.
- Let’s start the ball rolling.
- Where there’s a will there’s a way.
- Onwards and upwards.
- We still have a long way to go.
- There’s one way to find out.
- I think the time has come for us to turn over a new leaf.
- Let’s give it our best shot.
- First things first.
- There's nothing that we can't do.
- We can work it out.
- There's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Give me space, I need a little bit more breathing room.
- Let's give it time.
- Where does that leave us?
- We need to make up for lost time.
- If we're really open and honest with each other, and both speak from the heart, without being afraid or defensive, perhaps we can really bring out into the open any issues that are bothering us, and get to the bottom of what's getting in the way of our getting closer.
Husband and wife trying to work things out
In-neutral / Caution url
Investing a lot of money in a startup
- I think there’s danger lurking ahead.
- Something about the whole situation smells.
- I’m going to proceed with caution with all deliberate speed.
- I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
- It’s too early to tell.
- The stakes are high.
- I’m going to try to be patient.
- Everything’s up in the air.
- Is the potential reward worth the risk?
- It might be too good to be true.
- It might be like reaching for the moon.
- It might take a while before the truth comes out.
- I can’t have it both ways.
- I shouldn’t count my chickens before they’re hatched.
- I might be making a big mistake.
- Don’t get too comfortable, because the situation is fluid and unpredictable, and could change at any moment.
- Let's give it time, and see how it plays out, because there could be a considerable upside potential.
Investing a lot of money in a startup
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
You’re not negotiating well-1
- You’re as stubborn as a mule.
- What I’m saying is going in one ear and out the other.
- How does that help anything?
- Don’t put words in my mouth.
- What more do you want?
- Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
- You have no excuse for acting that way.
- Are you backing out?
- Surely you must be kidding.
- I’ve got you pegged.
- Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes?
You’re not negotiating well-1
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Let’s make peace-2
- Let’s be reasonable.
- Don’t rule it out.
- Let’s not get started on the wrong foot.
- Is that OK with you?
- Nobody is holding a gun to your head.
- Let’s be open with each other.
- There’s no hard feelings between us, OK?
- I’ll make it up to you.
- See, that wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
- I’ve had a change of heart.
Let’s make peace-2
In-negative / Doubt url
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
- I have a nagging suspicion that this isn’t on the up and up.
- I don’t feel right about it.
- I just can’t buy that.
- You can’t fool me.
- I’ve heard that before.
- That’s wishful thinking.
- It’s a figment of your imagination.
- Whatever gave you that idea?
- I wouldn’t be too sure.
- It won’t hold water.
- I find that very hard to believe.
- What are you talking about?
- If I did that, it would be against my better judgement.
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
Out-negative / Push away url
Leave me alone
- I can’t be bothered.
- I couldn’t care less.
- It’s none of your concern.
- This is not my problem.
- Don’t try to pin this one on me.
- Give me some space.
- I don’t want to hear it anymore.
- I could care less.
- Nobody asked you.
- Don’t give me an ultimatum.
- Who cares anyway?
- Don’t twist my arm.
- Don’t start in on me.
- I think you’d better leave now.
- It’s none of your business.
- I think I've had enough.
Leave me alone