Being upfront and 100% candid isn’t always easy, nor is it always appropriate.
Whether it’s a little white lie, a half-truth, or a way of covering up something they’d rather not share, people often hide the real story of what’s going on in their heads and in their lives in certain phrases. If you hear these things from someone a lot, chances are, they’re not being fully honest about what’s going on beneath the surface.
1. “I’m fine.”
When someone says “I’m fine,” it’s often a sign that they’re anything but fine. It’s one of the most common ways people cover up what they’re really feeling, whether it’s stress, sadness, or frustration. Sometimes, it’s just easier to say you’re fine than to get into the details of what’s actually going on.
2. “I didn’t have time.”
When people claim they didn’t have time for something, what they often mean is that it wasn’t a priority. Time is usually a matter of how we choose to spend it. If something really matters, people make the time, so this is often a way of avoiding responsibility or telling the real reason.
3. “I’m not upset.”
When someone says they’re not upset, but you can tell they’re acting differently, they’re likely trying to hide their emotions. People often say this to avoid conflict, to keep someone from feeling bad, or because they aren’t ready to confront their own feelings yet.
4. “It’s just a small thing.”
If someone brushes off an issue by saying it’s “just a small thing,” they’re probably downplaying something that’s actually important to them. It’s a way of minimising their feelings or the significance of a situation to avoid dealing with it head-on.
5. “I’m not looking for anything serious.”
This is a common phrase used by people who are actually unsure about their feelings, or are afraid of commitment but don’t want to say it directly. It can also be a way to avoid giving someone false hope or to shield themselves from the vulnerability of a real connection.
6. “I don’t care.”
When people say they don’t care, especially in emotionally charged situations, it’s usually a defence mechanism. It can be a way of protecting themselves from hurt or disappointment. Deep down, they might care more than they let on, but saying “I don’t care” helps them keep their emotions in check.
7. “It’s not you, it’s me.”
This is the classic line often used when someone is breaking up with someone or distancing themselves. While it sounds like a gentle way to avoid blame, it’s usually a way of saying they don’t want to get into the real reasons behind their decision—whether it’s lack of compatibility, a change of heart, or other issues they’d rather not discuss.
8. “I’m too busy.”
When someone says they’re too busy, it can be a way to avoid saying they don’t want to spend time with you or that something else has become more of a priority. It’s an easy excuse that shields them from revealing their true feelings or priorities.
9. “I’m not hungry.”
People often say they’re not hungry to avoid drawing attention to their eating habits, whether they’re feeling self-conscious about eating too much or too little. It can also be used to avoid social pressure, especially in situations where food is involved but they don’t want to partake.
10. “I’m just tired.”
Sometimes “I’m just tired” is the go-to response when someone doesn’t want to talk about why they’re really feeling drained. It could be emotional exhaustion, stress, or something they don’t want to discuss, but saying they’re tired is an easy way out that doesn’t require delving into deeper issues.
11. “It’s not a big deal.”
When someone downplays something by saying it’s “not a big deal,” they’re often trying to avoid conflict or downplay their own emotional response. It can be a way to avoid discussing a problem that they don’t want to face head-on or feel uncomfortable addressing.
12. “I’m just not in the mood.”
Sometimes when people say they’re not in the mood, they’re actually dealing with deeper issues like stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed. They may not want to burden anyone with their emotions, so they use “not in the mood” as an easy way to step back without explaining what’s really going on.
13. “I’ll think about it.”
When someone says they’ll think about something but never follow up, it often means they’ve already made up their mind but don’t want to say it outright. It can be a polite way to avoid confrontation, especially if they’re not ready to commit to a decision or don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.
