10 Phrases That Make You Sound Gracious (Even When You're Annoyed)
No matter who you are, you know what it's like to be annoyed. Whether you're at work, talking to your partner, having a discussion with a friend or even interacting with a stranger, there are moments when something just gets under your skin. It can be a comment that you don't agree with, a co-worker nagging you about something or someone close to you saying something that requires you to set boundaries. When those instances occur, it's hard not to snap as a reaction. That's why we're sharing 11 that make you sound (even when you're annoyed).After all, you don't want to let your emotions get the best of you and end up saying something in the heat of the moment that you'll later regret. While it's easy to let your frustration take over, responding with grace can not only preserve your relationships, but it'll also result in you feeling more in control. The right words can defuse tension from happening, help you stand up for yourself respectfully and keep the conversation moving in a positive direction. To help with that, we reached out to psychologist Dr. Patricia Dixon. Thanks to her expertise, she tells Parade a few of the best things people can say that get their point across, but in a more gracious, kinder tone.You might even be surprised by how simple some of these phrases are. That way, the next time you find yourself in a real-life situation where you're feeling a little irritated, you can use one of them. It'll be like your own secret tool—helping you stay calm, composed and in control, even when you're tempted to lose your cool.Related:
Have you ever been in a discussion where a suggestion is brought up and you're unsure how to respond in a congenial manner because you're running short on patience? That's where this phrase—like all of the ones in this list—can come in handy.'This phrase demonstrates graciousness by indicating that you value the other person's input enough to consider it carefully, rather than giving an immediate, potentially harsh response,' Dr. Dixon explains. 'It conveys that you want to respond intentionally, as a less gracious way of saying this might be, 'I have no intention of incorporating anything you have to say, and I need to buy some time to figure out how to respond politely because I don't want to hurt your feelings by just saying no.''
If someone at work or a family member is annoying you and pushing you to be part of something that you'd rather not be, this could be a good way to say no, says Dr. Dixon.'This is a good example of a gracious way of setting boundaries with someone,' she points out. 'It politely declines a request or suggestion while expressing appreciation. A more brutal alternative that you should refrain from saying is, 'I don't want to do that,' which can come across as dismissive or unkind.'
If you're ever irritated, especially at work, Dr. Dixon advises using this statement. 'This is a polite and gracious way of postponing a discussion or decision that isn't a priority at the moment,' she says. 'It indicates that you'll revisit the topic later. A more direct, less gracious way of saying this might be, 'I don't have time for that right now,' which can seem dismissive or abrupt.'Related:
Misunderstandings are bound to happen. In those cases, this is a great phrase to use.'This phrase graciously communicates that you would never intentionally hurt someone and shows empathy by acknowledging their feelings,' Dr. Dixon expresses. 'It also aims to clarify your perspective. A less gracious way of saying the same might be, 'I don't know why you'd ever think that of me. I hope you know me better than that,' which can sound defensive or dismissive.'
Instead of having a black-and-white mindset, Dr. Dixon tells Parade this considerate reply is great to use when someone you're speaking with has a different viewpoint that might annoy you.'This is a gracious way of acknowledging that someone has helped you see things from a different perspective. It shows appreciation for their input,' she reveals. 'A harsher response, which you may be thinking in your head could be, 'I think your perspective is strange,' which dismisses their viewpoint and can come across as dismissive.'
Seeing how everyone has their own opinions, people aren't going to agree on every topic, which can sometimes be annoying and even cause tension. However, this phrase can be a good response.'The graciousness here is that it recognizes both sides have valid points and that the disagreement shouldn't harm the relationship or cause unnecessary conflict,' Dr. Dixon stresses. 'It's a diplomatic way to end a debate. A crueler way of saying the same thing could be, 'There's no point in arguing about this; we just won't see eye to eye.''Related:
If someone in your life is pestering you about something that is annoying you, you might feel like snapping at them. However, Dr. Dixon shares that this phrase is a more courteous response.'This phrase sounds gracious because it acknowledges that the other person's goals or thoughts might have value, but they don't fit into your current direction,' she notes. 'It leaves the door open for future consideration. A more blunt or less polite way of saying this might be, 'I already have a plan and a roadmap, and I didn't ask for your opinion or care to hear it.''
Dr. Dixon advises keeping this phrase in your back pocket the next time you're feeling a little perturbed and aren't sure what to say.'This is a gracious way of recognizing the other person's good intentions while setting a boundary,' she says. 'It's gentle and respectful. A less gracious way of expressing the same could be, 'I don't want to talk about that,' or something more dismissive.'
According to Dr. Dixon, there are amiable ways to reply to someone who has a different opinion from you, even if you're feeling slightly annoyed at the moment.'This is a tactful way of saying, 'I still think you're wrong, but I don't want to continue this conversation, so I respect your right to be wrong,'' she clarifies. 'You don't want to use a rude response like, 'You're wrong, but I don't have the energy to care,' in that scenario. Instead, this gracious phrase helps maintain civility even when you're annoyed.'
While you can't magically hit a pause button when you feel annoyed during a conversation, you can request one, says Dr. Dixon.'This phrase attempts to sound gracious by showing a desire to validate the other person's feelings, while honestly indicating that you're not in a space to engage right now,' she tells Parade. 'You might feel called to say something more direct, or perhaps more honest in the moment, as a way of conveying the same message, like, 'You're talking so much that it's exhausting my mind and emotions. I need a break before I snap.' However, that comes off as rude. This phrase, however, is a more polite way to set boundaries without outright dismissing the other person when you're feeling bothered.Up Next:Dr. Patricia Dixon, licensed clinical psychologist
10 Phrases That Make You Sound Gracious (Even When You're Annoyed) first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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