Women Who Hold Themselves To A High Standard Often Say 9 Phrases In Awkward Conversations
Jade Ignacio | Pexels Women are often socialized into being people-pleasers, putting their needs aside to help everyone else. So, even if other people put them down for being "selfish," the truth is that focusing on themselves is a radical act of self-care.
They need to invest in themselves and set boundaries that work in their best interests, all to live full lives. Sometimes, in uncomfortable, awkward situations, women who hold themselves to high standards have to use these phrases to protect their peace.
Phrases women say in awkward situations when they hold themselves to a high standard
1. 'Remind me again…'
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Sometimes, the most awkward conversations feel disconnected because people don't know each other. They're not good at small talk and don't know what to say.
Women who hold themselves to high standards lean into these kinds of conversations, working to learn about people even when it feels like they're closed off. They expect others to play a role in conversations, but they're not ignorant enough to assume that someone will ask questions and lead the way if they don't.
"Remind me again" is a great phrase to get the conversation warmed up again, and to ask people about shared interests or friends.
2. 'Tell me more'
Even if someone is shying away from conversation or expecting these women to lead the way, a phrase like "tell me more" offers more space for another person to speak. If they're tired of holding the conversation, they might toss this around to actively listen again.
They simultaneously make people feel heard and also step out of the draining role of guiding a conversation completely by themselves.
3. 'Nice to see you'
Instead of lingering in a long pause or waiting for someone else to check in with them, women with high standards for themselves may take a step back. Instead of begging for respect or attention, they exercise their own autonomy and dismiss themselves respectfully.
Yes, short pauses in conversations can be great for social perceptions and trust, but anything longer than a few beats comes across as uncomfortable for everyone. These women are protecting their peace, especially around others who don't deserve their attention.
4. 'Right'
In the least condescending way possible, incredibly secure women don't do too much trying to make everyone else feel comfortable. They're happy to listen and throw out affirming nonverbal cues, but when things fall silent, they're not the first person to try and fill it.
They're happy to linger in the awkwardness that other people feel, not only to protect their energy but to reflect and think.
5. 'Give me a second'
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Instead of trying to apologize for other people's discomfort or ramble on about nothing, women who hold themselves to a high standard use these phrases to seek grace.
They don't need to exist in a socially anxious space, trying to fill gaps. They can sit with the stillness of a pause, collecting their thoughts and honoring them with the words they actually want to speak out loud.
6. 'Let's start over'
When someone is clearly uncomfortable or disrespecting them unintentionally, a secure woman will use "let's start over" to go back to the beginning. It's a conversational second chance, where they can assert an unspoken boundary and relieve the nerves that so many feel in social situations.
They have high standards to make people feel seen and heard, but they're also not willing to sit silently and let anyone walk all over them. They're reminding people of what's acceptable for them, not policing their behavior. So, if someone doesn't take the second chance, they'll walk away.
7. 'I'm not sure what to say to that'
Instead of trying to be overconfident when asked a question they don't know the answer to or blabbing on when they're unsure, these kinds of women will be honest. They'll say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure what to say to that" because they'd prefer to learn and be upfront than to pretend.
It's exactly how they build trust, even with people they don't know. There's no facade.
8. 'I'll be here when you're ready'
Secure women aren't afraid to take a step back and support other people, even if it's just helping them cope with social anxiety or discomfort. They don't take personal offense to other people's behaviors and social cues, because they understand the nuance of a conversation is rarely about them specifically.
They'll say "I'll be here when you're ready" if someone's feeling overwhelmed. They may not stick around and wait for someone to show up for them, but they have no problem offering grace in the same way they'd expect it to be offered to themselves.
9. 'Let me rephrase that'
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Intelligent people always have clarity and understanding at the forefront of their minds in conversations. They want people to be included and to play a role in the conversation. Women who have high standards for themselves are similarly curious and thoughtful.
They may say "let me rephrase that" to help draw someone into a conversation when they're feeling excluded. Even at work, if a room goes silent and gets quickly awkward, they're not afraid to take accountability and change their language.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
