9 Phrases Women Use That Signal They Can’t Be Trusted
You know those conversations? The ones where you feel like you’re walking into a word trap? We’ve all been there. Communication is messy, and some phrases just scream ‘pay attention!’ While every chat has its unique vibe, certain linguistic patterns can absolutely flag deeper trust issues.
Quick fact: Research often points to different communication styles between genders, especially when it comes to honesty. And let’s be real, as Stephen R. Covey famously said, “Trust is the glue of life.” So, those phrases that deflect or dismiss? They’re basically chipping away at that glue.
Ready to become a conversation detective? Here are nine phrases that, when they repeatedly appear, are definitely worth a closer examination. Consider this your cheat sheet for building stronger, more authentic connections.
“You always…” or “You never…”
Most of us have heard things like, “You always leave your socks on the floor,” or “You never listen to me.” This type of all-or-nothing language is a classic example of what psychologists call dichotomous thinking.
It makes everything seem either good or bad, with no middle ground. Instead of focusing on the real issue, it turns one action into a lasting problem with someone’s character.
Women often use this phrase to shift blame instead of solving the problem. Good communication is about sharing how you feel in the moment, not blaming someone for their actions.
“I don’t want to argue about this.”
At first, this sounds like someone just wants to avoid fighting. Most people don’t like to argue. However, if this phrase is used to end an important conversation, it’s essentially a way to avoid addressing problems.
A 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that avoiding difficult conversations can harm relationships. Avoiding conflict doesn’t resolve anything; it just allows bad feelings to build up.
If someone consistently avoids discussing important things, it may mean they aren’t willing to invest the effort a relationship requires. A real partner is willing to have tough conversations, even when it’s hard.
“You’re just being insecure/sensitive.”
This is a straightforward way to avoid responsibility. It turns your genuine feelings about someone’s actions into a problem with you. The focus shifts from what they did to whether you are being “insecure” or “sensitive.”
It is a defense mechanism where someone puts their own uncomfortable feelings or actions onto someone else. If you share a concern and are quickly told that you are the problem, it could mean the other person can’t face what they’ve done.
“You’re the only one who thinks that.”
This is a subtle but powerful way to isolate you. By suggesting your opinion as unique (and therefore wrong), she makes you question your own judgment.
This tactic is a hallmark of gaslighting, a form of emotional manipulation designed to erode your confidence in your own perceptions.
My friend David went through this. When he asked his partner about a financial choice she had made, she replied, “Nobody else has a problem with it. It’s just you.” This made David question himself, even though his concerns were reasonable.
People you can trust will listen to other viewpoints instead of dismissing them.
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
It downplays your concerns and acts like they don’t matter. If something is important to you, it matters. A partner who can’t see that is saying your feelings aren’t important.
As WebMD points out, manipulative language often leads to conflict and dissatisfaction. A healthy partner will try to understand why something matters to you, instead of just deciding it doesn’t.
“I don’t see why this is such a problem.”
It’s a flat-out refusal to even try to see things from your perspective. It’s a sign of a potential empathy deficit.
“Empathy is a powerful predictor of things we consider to be positive behaviors that benefit society, individuals, and relationships,” according to Karina Schumann, PhD, a professor of social psychology at the University of Pittsburgh.
If someone won’t try to understand why you’re upset, it’s very hard to solve problems together. This attitude sends the message that only their view matters.
“Why are you bringing this up now?”
Deflection by timing. Instead of addressing the actual issue you’ve raised, she questions your timing. This clever tactic shifts the focus from their behavior to the supposed inappropriateness of the moment you chose.
It’s a way to make you feel guilty for even starting the conversation. Of course, there’s a time and place for everything, but when this becomes a go-to response for any complex topic, it’s a major red flag. It’s a strategy to delay accountability, possibly forever.
“It is what it is.”
A conversation killer disguised as folksy wisdom. It’s a statement of resignation that signals a complete unwillingness to take responsibility or work toward a solution. It frames a situation, often a hurtful one, as unchangeable and inevitable.
By saying this, she effectively dismisses your feelings and closes the door on any possibility of change. It’s the verbal equivalent of a shrug, and it can leave you feeling powerless and unheard.
“Well, nobody’s perfect.”
This is the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card. While it’s true that nobody is perfect, this phrase is often used as a blanket excuse to avoid taking responsibility for a specific action. It uses a universal truth to sidestep personal accountability.
According to ResearchGate, excuse-making is linked to repeated problematic behaviors. Someone who is genuinely sorry will apologize for their specific action, rather than hiding behind a generic platitude.
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