Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like monosyllabic noises with various implied punctuation marks.

Hmmmm./Hmmmmm?
Ahhhhh./Ahhhhh!
Ohhhhh?/Ohhhh!

Most people just want to talk about themselves anyhow. You insert these while only half-listening and it won't interrupt their flow or force you to actually engage with them.

This is exactly what I do. Along with

MMHMM

I'm the originally quoted PP. I like MMHMM. I also *LOVE* the other PP's recommendation of "Well, there you go!". That is a winner. I think it falls into the "Isn't that something!" camp. People are so heinous.

Anonymous wrote:I like monosyllabic noises with various implied punctuation marks.

Hmmmm./Hmmmmm?
Ahhhhh./Ahhhhh!
Ohhhhh?/Ohhhh!

Most people just want to talk about themselves anyhow. You insert these while only half-listening and it won't interrupt their flow or force you to actually engage with them.

This is exactly what I do. Along with

MMHMM

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me what the transition was like from actually answering questions/responding to comments to just ignoring busybodies and using "neutral phrases" like these? I've been trying to actually communicate for far too long, and I'm ready to try this approach.

Any horror stories, or did it go pretty well? TIA!

They Will. Not. Notice. People who inspire you to use these kinds of phrases really don't want to hear what you have to say anyhow (I'm the monosyllabic grunt PP).

Yup, they won't notice at all. I've been doing this with my SIL for years and she still thinks we are "really close".

Sorry, I have diarrhea and need to leave ASAP. Nobody ever questions bowel issues.

My go-to is "Well, there you go!" It's enthusiastic and all-purpose.

Used it during a recent visit with my aunt wherein she explained that she doesn't get the flu shot because "I don't believe in germ theory, so I never get sick."
"Well there you go!"

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for this thread, OP!

That was me! Thanks.

Maybe we could make an app?

Spin the wheel. See where it stops....

Thanks for this thread, OP!

Mind if I do a J?

F off!

" Oh my! That pie was delicious!"

"Cake anyone?"

My family loves food.

Would it be wrong if I jotted these down on a 3"x5" card and referenced it during particularly vexing conversations?

I had a long conversation with a 4-year old about crackers and hand washing-routines recently.


I was relaxing and everyone was glad the kid was safe and calm. Highly recommend.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me what the transition was like from actually answering questions/responding to comments to just ignoring busybodies and using "neutral phrases" like these? I've been trying to actually communicate for far too long, and I'm ready to try this approach.

Any horror stories, or did it go pretty well? TIA!

for me, therapy and a period of estrangement.

When 1 family member was terminally ill I tried to make visits to see him peaceful, in spite of the rest of the family literally picking fights in hospital waiting rooms.

One suggestion from a pot stirrer was "Let's all agree to say whatever we want and nobody can get offended."

I decided to have only non-substantive conversation (with others in his house) until he died.

He's gone now and I spend less time in the company of people who wind me up.
Also, the calmer I am, the more confused everyone else seems to be.

Anonymous wrote:Pour me another, please.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me what the transition was like from actually answering questions/responding to comments to just ignoring busybodies and using "neutral phrases" like these? I've been trying to actually communicate for far too long, and I'm ready to try this approach.

Any horror stories, or did it go pretty well? TIA!

They Will. Not. Notice. People who inspire you to use these kinds of phrases really don't want to hear what you have to say anyhow (I'm the monosyllabic grunt PP).