People Who Are Mentally & Emotionally Interesting Are Known For Saying 9 Phrases In Conversations

Written on Aug 31, 2026

mentally and emotionally interesting man smiling outside Earnest Joseph Odom | Pexels
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Being curious is an unexpected path to a truly fulfilling, meaningful life. Yet, the most mentally and emotionally interesting people don't just make their lives better.

In fact, everyone around them feels more valued and special when they're in the room. They're known for saying certain open-minded phrases in conversations, bringing a special energy to every interaction.

Phrases mentally and emotionally interesting people are known for saying

1. 'What was that like?'

interesting man asking his neighbor what was that like Caftor | Shutterstock

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Interesting people rarely stick to superficial small talk. They bring an added layer of depth, even if it's just by asking questions like this. They want to get to know people on a deeper level, not just hear about their experiences or the facts on paper.

Luckily, prompting people to put their emotions and experiences into words actually promotes all kinds of therapeutic benefits. So, they're growing their own mindset and getting to know someone, but also making others feel more grounded themselves.

RELATED: People Who Prefer Depth Over Small Talk Usually Say 6 Phrases In Casual Conversation

2. 'Tell me more about that'

Mentally and emotionally interesting people don't just talk about themselves or share all their niche interests in conversations.

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What makes them magnetic and fun to be around is their interest in understanding more about other people. It's thoughtful phrases these people are known for, like "tell me more about that," that make others feel valued and seen.

They're interesting because they listen to others and soak up their insight. What they know about everyone else isn't the only great thing about them, but it changes their mindset and alters how they think.

3. 'I did nothing today'

While it might not be a phrase they're known for verbatim, interesting people are known by one simple trait: they're not performing.

They're not trying to be more interesting by inflating their stories or making up events they went to over the weekend. They appreciate the little things, and they're not afraid to admit they did nothing or spent time alone to put on a front.

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They're not programmed to be fake. They learn and grow into their most authentic self, and sometimes, that's not always glamorous.

RELATED: You Can Tell Someone Has Rare Magnetic Energy By 9 Things They Do Almost Effortlessly

4. 'I changed my mind'

Incredibly curious people who are always seeking out new information and perspectives are going to change their minds. But actually being able to unwind their own beliefs and cultivate a new point of view requires emotional intelligence and self-security.

It can be scary to admit that we're wrong or to change our thinking about something we once held close to our chests. But interesting people don't change their minds because it's easy, it's because their beliefs are deep and complicated.

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They're not wound up entirely in their self-worth, so they can challenge and dive deeper without putting their identity at risk.

5. 'I noticed this…'

woman telling her friend I noticed this while telling interesting story BearFotos | Shutterstock

Even in casual conversations, these people don't get so caught up in themselves and their own stories that they miss small details from others. They're observant, and everyone feels more seen when they're around.

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It's not about judging or seeing the world in black-and-white terms. It's about simply noticing the world around them, and sometimes, letting what they observe feed their curiosity.

RELATED: 9 Curious Habits That Make You Smarter Than Most

6. 'That reminds me of something I read…'

These people are always creating, whether that's with true artistry or in the small routines of their daily lives. Part of what shapes their mentality and perspective is what they choose to thoughtfully consume. They always have something interesting to bring to conversations, because of their interests that spark something deeper.

Whether it's a novel or an experience they've been through, they can connect the dots to mundane conversations. They can bring a layer of depth that most of us are yearning for, but aren't sure how to create.

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7. 'I'll try that'

Emotionally and mentally interesting people are into the people around them. They're curious, and that's what makes them seem more knowledgeable and magnetic.

Their openness to novelty feeds their intelligence, but it also amplifies their social connections and relationships. Those are the things that truly bring us meaning in this life.

Saying "I'll try that," while being willing to make mistakes and stepping outside of their comfort zone, is how they become more interesting.

RELATED: People Who Keep A Truly Open Mind Almost Always Say 11 Phrases When They Talk To You

8. 'It means a lot to me'

Whether it's owning their niche passions or being expressive with their love, these people rarely filter how they're feeling. They're truly themselves, even if that means sometimes not being understood or liked by others.

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Their nature and identity stem from internal reflection and identity, not external validation. They're known for their passion, even if it's simply expressed with a phrase like this.

9. 'Can I tell a story?'

woman asking can I tell a story to her friend outside Branislav Nenin | Shutterstock

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Interesting people almost always ask a question like "Can I tell a story?" They're known for having the coolest experiences and stories, not because their lives are wildly exciting, but because they bring a deeper layer to ordinary situations.

Our brains are also naturally wired for storytelling. They want to create meaning and a narrative out of our experiences.

Some people push back on that with pessimism and isolation, but interesting people lean in. They tell stories and romanticize their lives, and they're more fulfilled because they do.

RELATED: People Who Are Genuinely Easy To Be Around Usually Don't Do 8 Things In Casual Conversation

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.

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