Never Say These 15 Things Or Your Will Destroy Your Relationship

Good communication is the heart of any strong relationship, but some things are just better left unsaid. These phrases, for example, can seriously damage your bond with your partner if they happen to slip out. By learning what to avoid, you can keep your connection strong and maybe even save your relationship from unnecessary conflict just by understanding what not to say. Sometimes, knowing what not to say is just as powerful as finding the right words. Ready to uncover the big no-nos and keep your relationship thriving? Then keep on reading!
“You always do this.”

Using the word “always” in a sentence can make the other person feel attacked. It sounds like they are constantly making the same mistake, which likely is not true. Even if you feel frustrated, saying “you always” paints the person negatively. Instead, you could say, “This happened before, and it upset me. Can we talk about it?” This way, you are opening a conversation without putting the blame entirely on the other person. It focuses on solving the problem (not just pointing fingers).
“I don’t care.”

Saying “I don’t care” in a relationship can make the other person feel unimportant. This phrase is dismissive even if you don’t have a strong opinion. A better option might be, “I am okay with either choice. What do you think?” This shows that you’re involved and value the other person’s opinion. Relationships are about communication. Dismissing how you feel or acting indifferent can create a gap between you and your partner.
“You’re overreacting.”

Telling someone they’re overreacting can invalidate their feelings. Everyone experiences emotions differently, and what feels small to you might feel big to them. Instead of dismissing their feelings, try saying, “I see this is upsetting you. Let’s talk about it.” This lets the other person know their feelings are valid (even if you don’t fully understand them). It is all about respecting their emotions and working through them together.
“I’m sorry, but…”

An apology followed by “but” often makes it feel like the apology is not sincere. It can appear that you’re trying to excuse your behavior instead of truly apologizing. Instead, try a simple apology like, “I am sorry for how I made you feel. I will work on that.” This shows that you are taking responsibility without trying to justify your actions. A sincere apology goes a long way in repairing relationships.
“You’re being too sensitive.”

Telling someone they are being too sensitive can hurt their feelings even more. It suggests their emotions are invalid (or wrong for feeling the way they do). A better response is, “I did not realize this was so important to you. Let’s talk about it.” This keeps the conversation open and shows that you care about their feelings. Everyone has different emotional triggers and understanding that can make your relationship stronger.
“It is not a big deal.”

What may not be a big deal to you could be very important to someone else. Saying this can make the other person feel like their concerns are being brushed aside. Try saying, “It seems like this matters to you. Let’s figure it out.” This keeps the focus on solving the issue rather than dismissing it. Understanding what matters to your partner is key to healthy and balanced relationships.
“Why can’t you be more like…”

When you compare your partner with someone else, it makes them feel that they are not good for you. They feel they must change who they are to make you happy. Instead of comparing, try saying, “I appreciate you for who you are, but I would love it if we could work on this together.” This way, you express a desire for change without putting them down. Relationships thrive on acceptance and encouragement (not comparison).
“I told you so.”

Nobody likes hearing, “I told you so.” It makes the other person feel like you are more interested in being right (than supportive). Try offering help by saying, “I know this didn’t go as planned. How can we fix it?” This shifts the focus from blaming to problem-solving. It keeps the relationship positive and collaborative. We all make mistakes, and supporting each other through them is more important than proving a point.
“You never listen.”

Just like using “always,” saying “you never” can make the other person feel like they’re constantly failing. It’s too absolute and usually not true. Instead, try saying, “Sometimes, I feel like I’m not being heard. Can we talk about that?” This gives the other person a chance to understand your feelings without feeling attacked. It opens the door to better communication and understanding.
“Do whatever you want.”

This phrase can come off as passive-aggressive. It sounds like you’re giving up on the conversation, but you’re probably upset. Instead, try being honest by saying, “I am feeling frustrated right now, but I want to work this out.” This shows that you are still invested in solving the issue, even if you are unhappy. Honesty keeps the relationship stronger than shutting down the conversation.
“It’s fine.”

Saying “It’s fine” when it’s not can cause relationship frustration. It makes the other person feel they cannot address what’s wrong. Instead of brushing things off, try being more direct by saying, “I am not okay with this. Can we talk?” This gives the other person a clear understanding of your feelings and invites a real conversation. Ignoring your true feelings can lead to bigger problems down the line.
“You wouldn’t understand.”

This phrase can create distance in a relationship. It suggests the other person cannot understand your thoughts (or feelings). This can make them feel hurt. Try saying, “This is tough to explain, but I want to share it with you.” This way, you invite the other person into the conversation rather than shutting them out. Relationships are about understanding each other (even when things are hard to express).
“What do you do all day?”

Saying this phrase in a snarky way is a relationship killer. When you sarcastically ask someone what they do all day, you are implying that they sit around doing nothing. People who work from home may hear this phrase a lot, even when they are being extremely productive. It implies that your time is not valuable or you are not managing it properly. If your spouse asks you this silly question, feel free to list all the things you do that they may not know about. That will hopefully prove them wrong!
“My Ex Used to…”

Why do people always feel the need to bring up their ex? Your current partner doesn’t want to hear about the things your ex used to do. They likely never want to hear your ex’s name ever again. Never bring up an ex if you want to stay in the current relationship you are in. There is also a reason why that person is an ex and not a current spouse. Remember the negatives about your ex and just keep quiet when it comes to that relationship.
“Relax”

Telling your partner to “relax” is like throwing gas on a fire. It never works! Instead of calming things down, it can come across as dismissive and make them even more upset. No one wants to feel like their emotions are being brushed off. Instead, try listening and showing some empathy. It will definitely go way further than a casual “chill out.”
We all use certain phrases that can accidentally harm our relationships without meaning to. The key is to be mindful of how our words might affect others. Small changes in how we speak can greatly impact the strength and health of our relationships. It is not about avoiding all mistakes but communicating more thoughtfully (and carefully). By choosing words that promote understanding, we can avoid unnecessary conflict. It helps us build better relationships with the people we care about.