What to say when: Tips for surviving sticky social situations

If you ever find yourself at a loss for words in awkward social situations watch this segment. Here are some helpful phrases to add to your relationship repertoire!

 Sticky Social Situation	 Example	 Try Saying This
 You’re asked to do something you don’t want to do and it’s hard to say “no”.	 An extended family member informs you that they are staying with you over Spring Break and you already have a full house.	 “That’s just not going to work for me.”Â
 You’re feeling pressured to answer on the spot.	 A friend asks you about your recent marital separation in the company of others.	 “Let me get back with you on that .”Â
 You’re asked about someone else’s personal life	 Your neighbor asks you about details of your best friend’s financial problems.	 “That’s a good question to ask her/him.”Â
 You’re in a heated debate or disagreement.	 You and your spouse get in a no-win debate about whose fault that you were late for an important event.	 “We can think different things and still be friends.”Â
 Someone is expressing intense emotion about you directly to you.	 Your toddler screams in the grocery store, “I hate you, mommy!”	 “Wow! You’re really (feeling word) at me.”Â
 You want to make a difficult request of someone else.	 Your mother-in-law frequently gives unsolicited parenting, cooking, weight loss advice and you want her to only give advice when you ask for it.	 “It would mean a lot to me if (your request).”Â