Platitudes: Which Ones Make You Scream?

[Gamereign555]

I don't know if this counts, but I hate it when people say "It is what it is".

Maybe it was cool or something the first time, but it's gotten a little out of hand.

 

[SimplyComplex]

"It is what it is".

Its so funny because if I say this about something, its a sure sign that I am downplaying the importance of it. Every time I think it or say it, I think "oh crap, one more thing I need to work through"

 

[angel2write]

When I was stressing out and nearly losing my mind- trying to handle PTSD and three young children and getting about three hours of interrupted sleep a night... I would ask people for help, or try to tell them I was in pain. And they would pat me on the shoulder and say "Just relax! These are the best years of your life- enjoy them while you can!" Every time someone said this to me I was torn between strangling myself with the strap of my diaper bag or punching them right in the smarmy mouth.

I also got "You're making mountains out of molehills" my entire life. Which is why I named my diary after it.

How about, "If you would stop being so self-centered and focus on other people for a change, you would feel better." I've tried thinking about women raped in wars in Africa or people in the Nazi concentration camps... but all it does is make me feel like a miserable waste of a person because I'm not doing anything to help the suffering.

 

[yomama]

My mom's motto, "if you can't say something positive, don't say anything at all."

So in other words, "don't bother me with your anger, frustration, cynicism, and comments that make me feel bad." Well excuse the f*ck out of me. Maybe if you stopped drinking, divorced the rapist, and protected me when I was a kid, I'd have something positive to say.

 

[wife of]

"He knew what he was getting into when he signed up"

 

[angel2write]

So in other words, "don't bother me with your anger, frustration, cynicism, and comments that make me feel bad."

Yeah, that's exactly what they mean. :notworthy:

 

[ms spock]

This too shall pass!

It should be "This platitude shall too pass!"

 

[ms spock]

Platitude: a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. Synonyms: cliché, truism

Even thought they can all have positive truth, when uttered without empathy they are damaging for me.

It is damaging as it is invalidation. Being quiet and saying you don't know what to say and you feel for them is much less toxic.

 

[SpokaneSunshine]

*You're lucky to be alive.
*At least he didn't shoot you first!
*Your heart will never know happiness until you forgive him (usually said when I express anger at the incident)
*You're being a child (said in response to my concern about extremely elevated levels of anxiety and the suicide ideations I had been experiencing)
*Doesn't that feel better? (said in response to my acquiescence when I'm asked to take a deep breath, receive an acupuncture treatment, complete an eye movement session, etc.)

 

[ms spock]

How COMPLETELY insensitive!

 

[CraftyCath]

'Have a cup of tea' OMG the British answer to everything.

Haaaaaaaaa! So true! LOL

 

[CraftyCath]

A British one I think -

'It will all come out in the wash' :confused::mad::speechless:

I have to say I am focasing on the Brits here too.
'Keep a stiff upper lip.' To explain, it basically means you are weak if you show emotion.
'Put a brave face on it.' Why should I?
'Get over it/ get over yourself.'
'No use crying over spilled milk' True, if it was only spilled milk we'd all be OK

And these ones from my family:
'You're just a bit neurotic'
It's all in your head' - You don't say!