People With Zero Substance & Depth Usually Say 10 Phrases In Casual Conversation
Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock We all know people who are a little vapid. They aren't mean or toxic; they just lack depth. In simpler terms, they're a little boring.
It's not always easy to spot someone lacking depth, but they give themselves away pretty easily in conversation. Basically, they aren't looking to think too deeply about the world around them. Rather than learning new things or being willing to have new experiences, they keep things at a surface level. And while there's nothing wrong with that, it's nice to know that what you see is what you get before investing time into a friendship or relationship with them.
Phrases people without substance or depth say when casually chatting:
1. 'It's not that serious'
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Difficult times are inevitable. No matter how carefully we try to navigate life, hardships will eventually find their way to us. But while we may not be able to avoid them, how we respond says a lot about our character. People who lack depth think that by eliminating hard things from their minds, they can eliminate them from their lives.
Sorry, but dismissing other people's concerns doesn't make a person stronger. For many, it can cause them to feel invisible and unimportant. This is why you should be a listening ear instead. Even if you don't view it as important, if you truly care, you won't knock your loved one down.
2. 'Everyone does it'
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Most people who lack depth struggle to take accountability for their mistakes. It's immature, but they come up with every excuse in the book. Looking you straight in the face, they'll say, "Everyone does it." But while everyone makes mistakes, people who have substance aren't afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Is it easy? No. But just because it's hard doesn't mean it isn't worth it. As the American Psychological Association noted, "Apologies have the potential to heal relationships, soothe hurt feelings, and even begin to address historical wrongs."
This is why it's important not to be prideful. By getting in touch with your emotions, you change the trajectory of your relationships, too.
3. 'It is what it is'
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Most people who lack substance weren't always that way. Once upon a time, they were in touch with their emotions, too. But as times became tougher, their hearts hardened. Feeling detached from everyday life, they would rather dismiss hard things than show empathy or understanding.
They don't want to be nonchalant, but they can't process their emotions. Rather than addressing it, though, nonchalant people shut down. Shrugging it off, they move on with their lives. But while it may feel easier in the moment, avoiding tough conversations doesn't make them disappear. It only makes it harder to connect with yourself and those around you.
4. 'Same old, same old'
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While others struggle to voice their opinions, some genuinely don't care. Unlike most folks who seek connection, vapid people are looking for the easy way out. That can come off as dismissive.
It's downright hurtful. It's hard for people to put themselves out there. Especially if they aren't the most social, reaching out first can feel terrifying. This is why it doesn't hurt to be a bit more talkative. Even if they aren't looking for a deep connection, giving a bit more context won't hurt anybody.
5. 'You're overthinking it'
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Getting stuck in your head is completely normal. It doesn't matter how many meditation exercises a person goes through. Breaking free from anxiety takes years to accomplish. This is why it isn't helpful when someone says, "You're overthinking it." Sorry, but pointing it out doesn't make anxiety go away.
Not only is it unhelpful, but it highlights just how shallow a person is. Compassion and kindness go hand in hand, and they are crucial traits for maintaining and building social relationships.
But when someone has no depth, they're dismissing the other person's feelings. Without realizing it, they're robbing themselves of greater depth in their relationships, too.
6. 'I am who I am'
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Is it true that people should be authentic to who they are? Absolutely. In a world that's becoming more stifling, remaining authentic is the greatest path toward happiness.
Even if the journey is tough, being true to your heart will never let you down. But while following your heart is one thing, excusing poor behavior is another thing entirely.
This is why saying, "I am who I am," is lowkey depthless. Yes, you are who you are, but there are limits to your behavior. Saying this is a cop out for bad behavior. This is why folks should try to strike a balance. It's hard, but you can accept who you are while understanding that you still have a lot of room to grow.
7. 'Good vibes only'
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In an ideal world, we could avoid the bad while embracing the good. Living life with rose-colored glasses would mean we'd never have to confront life's harsh realities. Unfortunately, bad things happen to everyone.
This is why it's kinda depthless to say, "Good vibes only." Sure, folks might want to forget their problems, but relationships aren't only about having a good time. We have to make room for people to express themselves and offer them support when they need it.
8. 'That's just the way people are'
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You can't change people. Most folks are going to do what they want, regardless of how you feel. That doesn't mean they can't change, however.
At the same time, it's not fair to put people into boxes. Everyone has their own motives. But rather than taking the time to learn, shallow people assume. Jumping to conclusions, they unintentionally reveal just how little substance they truly have.
9. 'I don't owe anyone anything'
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Everyone's heard someone utter this phrase before. While they usually have the best intentions, there's something to be said about people who take while giving little in return. Relationships aren't built to be transactional, but they shouldn't be one-sided either.
As psychotherapist Sherry Gaba, LCSW, said, "Healthy relationships are designed to be a give and take, with both partners working together to provide support, encouragement, and compassion." This is why saying, "I don't owe anyone anything," shows a lack of substance. Because it's self-centered and heartless, too.
10. 'You can't say anything anymore'
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People who are lacking depth view constructive criticism as personal attacks. Instead of staying open-minded and learning, they shut down and insist, "You can't say anything anymore."
Learning is easier now than ever, and that means a person who chooses not to expand their horizons does so consciously. When everyone around you is well-versed, it forces you to either step up to the plate or to live without substance.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and trending topics.
