College is the time that you're supposed to become an adult, key word, supposed to. Going away to school allows for you to become the person that you're supposed to be. How do you get there? Baby steps, definitely baby steps. Learning how to talk to other people to get what you want and treat others respectfully is one of those important baby steps to take. Here's 5 of the best phrases that you should incorporate into your vocabulary to slowly make your way to that terrifying thing called adulthood:
1. That's a valid point.
Everyone wants to believe that their opinion is valid and feel that they have been heard. Growing up is realizing that you don't have to agree with everyone and life is definitely simpler if you just let things go and let someone win. Letting someone else win the argument is one of the hardest things in the world but it will make your life a whole lot easier in the end. By stating that something someone said is a valid point you are neither agreeing nor disagreeing but they feel like you heard them and cared about what they had to say.
2. I understand where you're coming from.
Again going off of the letting people be heard and feel like their opinions are validated, saying that you at least can understand where someone is coming from is essential to "adulting". This can work in any situation from being in the middle of an argument with someone to listening to someone who's upset but not agreeing with their perspective. Understanding or at least trying to understand is key to relationship success whether it's a friend or a love.
3. I hear you.
Even more clear than those other statements, stating that you hear someone is one of the simplest ways to show someone that you care and to validate how they're feeling and what they are trying to express.
4. That's not a priority right now.
It's a whole lot nicer and realistic to say that something isn't a priority instead of saying you don't time for it at all. We're all busy but you probably could squeeze in whatever it is somewhere. This way you're staying honest and staying away from hurting anyones feelings.
5. No.
A lot of teenagers, especially girls don't know how to say no. Growing up is realizing that what matters the most is you and what you want. Obviously you have to make sacrifices at some times but the most important thing ALWAYS is you. Learning when it's okay to say no is essential to not only adulthood but to living the happiest and healthiest life you can.
Put these phrases in your back pocket and try them out if you're trying to sound like an adult any time soon. But hey, I understand if you're not.
