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People Break Down Which Words Or Phrases Are Red Flags When Meeting Someone

Two men shaking hands
two men facing each other while shake hands and smiling

Reddit user theevilempire asked: 'What words/phrases do you hear someone say and immediately know you’re probably not going to like the person?'

First impressions can be misleading, to the point of being dangerous.

After all, as Jane Austen taught us in Pride and Prejudice (whose original title was, in fact, First Impressions) the person who ends up being the love of your life might seem utterly loathsome upon a first meeting.

Even so, it's hard not to snap to judgment when meeting someone for the first time, particularly based on what they say.

Be it a difference in political or religious beliefs, or simply something shockingly rude or ignorant, all it can take is a few words or idioms to make us never want to see or hear from someone ever again.


Redditor theevilempire was curious to hear things people might say which make it fairly clear they are not going to be best friends, leading them to ask:
"What words/phrases do you hear someone say and immediately know you’re probably not going to like the person?"

Is It Even Love?

"'Tough love' often seems to be used as an excuse to be a dick. I get it when it's like an intervention, but most times I've personally heard it this was just people who wanted to start sh*t." -Reddit

That Could Be ONE Reason...

“'People don’t like me because I tell it like it is'.”- MassiveProductions

Taking Others Down Is No Way To Pick Yourself Up...

"If a person humiliates others for the sake of boosting his own ego, I immediately stop communicating with that person."- AnastasiaFrid

mean girls ugh GIFGiphy

Or Just Brutal?

“I’m brutally honest”- -not-pennys-boat-

And That's A Problem Because...?

“You’re so quiet”- WearyPigeon

Not Everyone Likes Their Family...

"'We're a family here' in a work setting."

"Mother f*cker you just laid off 'cousin' Bill."- recoil669

Hbo Are We Doing This GIF by SuccessionHBOGiphy

If You Think It Might Cause Offense, Then Maybe Don't Say It?

“'No offense, but…', just before saying the most offensive thing you’ve heard in your life."- lisathethrowaway

A Disability Should Never Be A Punch

“'I’m so bipolar' to explain why they are indecisive or to play off poor life choices."

"Or just to say to sound quirky."

"Really hate that."

"I’m bipolar and rarely tell anyone."- PerplexedPoppy

Then Don't Cause Any!!!

"'I hate drama'."

"I have never heard someone say this, unsolicited, and not been exhausted with their shenanigans within a day."- Spodson

Drama Reaction GIF by MOODMANGiphy

Definitely Not Something To Brag About...

"Describes himself as an Alpha Male."

"Tells you implausible stories about how tough he is/how many women he's 'Banged'."

"Yeah, me and you gonna fall out soon buddy."- Johhnymaddog316

Should I?

"'Do you know who I am?'"- Brave_D*ck

A Handshake Is Always The Best Place To Start...

"Where’s my huuuuug?"

"Immediately no."- xPunkdaddy

Come Austin Powers GIFGiphy

Never A Good Sign If They Always Need To Declare Who They Are...

"As an empath --"- paramidia

"Good vibes only and 'I’m such an empath'."- Blacklotusispunk

Where To Even Begin...?

"'Why didn't they just take the eagles to Mordor?'"- Calligaster

lord of the rings no GIFGiphy

There's a reason our parents told us to choose our words carefully.

Sometimes the things people say can cause more pain and harm than physical violence of any kind.


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