30 sentences that ruin your first impression

We can tell ourselves that other people’s opinions don’t matter as much as we want, but in reality we worry and instantly forget about it when we go on an appointment or interview with our dream company. To avoid ruining your first impression, we’ve put together 30 stop phrases you should never say.

How much do you earn? – Sneaking into someone else’s wallet is pretty reckless. Each employee accepts his own conditions. Believe me, if your new colleague in a similar position finds out that you earn more, hostility may arise between you.

This is impossible – what is impossible for you is probably done by someone else every day. You should not use categorical statements. And in general the future boss does not like excuses. Leaders love people who overcome challenges.

Frankly… – a parasitic word. When you first meet, no one expects honesty from you, although they do count on it.

Can I ask you something… – There is no need to complicate things by asking whether it is possible to ask questions. Briefly summarize the topic. Rejection of this form cannot be avoided if the person is not ready to fulfill your request.

You’ve probably been told that about me, but it’s not all true. – If there are any rumors around you, you should not draw attention to them. This is worrying. The interlocutor sees you for the first time, he has no reason to believe you. Also, don’t think he’s too interested in your personality. This statement also gives away narcissists and sociopaths.

How delicious coffee/strong espresso – actually a common mistake. Let’s start with the fact that both words are masculine. Also, there is no need to confuse “espresso” with “express”. If you are in doubt about the use of a word, replace it with a synonym for “drink” or look carefully in the dictionary. Fortunately, everyone has a phone nowadays.

Theirs, put it down – correct: “they” and “put”.

Thus / in general / as a result / in principle / after all – these patterns in communication create the false image of a know-it-all. It is better not to overuse them in presentations with clients.

until white-hot – “to the point of white heat” is a stable expression.

Ring tone – put stress on the last syllable only.

Moscow / St. From St. Petersburg / Yekaterinburg etc. – Remember: always “come from” a city. By the way, in some foreign languages, different prepositions can be used for different cities and countries. Fortunately, there is always a preposition in Russian. By the way, because of this error, residents of the capital often detect visitors from other cities, but they themselves are not exempt from the mistake.

And here I am… – the ability to actively listen to your interlocutor and ask intelligent clarifying questions is a real art. Believe me, there is no need to “burn” and draw attention to yourself when a person tells an interesting story.

I am very tired! – it is better not to talk about your workload in the meeting with your superiors and in the first (and subsequent meetings). This won’t hurt the manager at all, especially since you probably have no idea how busy he or she is.

hand face – You should not use words that have lost their popularity. The same applies to scientific terms, outdated words and irrelevant proverbs.

You look different in the photo – Even if a person looks better in life than in the photo, you should not tell him about it. Not all people are photogenic. And no one likes criticism.

And you’re better than I thought – not everyone wants to meet other people’s expectations, including yours. Also, one phrase can radically change an initially friendly person’s opinion about you.

At that age and childless? – sounds like a claim that there is something wrong with the girl. The decision to have children should be a conscious decision. Also, a person may have good reasons: work, insufficient financial support, health problems and, finally, an unsuccessful relationship with a partner. Therefore, such a question may hurt feelings.

How beautiful and don’t you have a boyfriend? – Another backhanded compliment. The second part seems to eliminate the compliment.

How many boyfriends (girlfriends) have you had? – a thoughtless question on a first date. Excessive curiosity can be scary.

Here’s my ex (my ex)… – it’s generally rude to talk about past relationships on a first date, or even talk to future co-workers or strangers.

You are look like my ex – if you are a certain type, it is better to say it politely. Believe me: everyone wants to be unique. A girl will not be flattered by comparison with her ex, even if it is in someone’s favor. Same with men.

Do you always dress like this? – If the person dresses nicely, say so.

Can I treat you? – a stranger may decide that you are trying to bribe him. And although some even skimp on a cup of coffee, the offer itself unwittingly forces the addressee to evaluate his attitude towards himself by the price of the drink. Therefore, it is better to simply say: “Let’s discuss this topic over a cup of coffee (or other drink)”! The message is the same but the subtext is different.

I’m going through a divorce/I’m in debt/I’m depressed. – You should not put your problems on a stranger.

I’m sorry for the trouble – if the question is important there is no need to apologize. And apparent “correctness” and “obedience” can only cause irritation.

For what period? (to pregnant women) – not every woman is ready to talk about motherhood with a stranger.

Do you believe in God? – Religious topics, as well as income, are taboo in conversations with unfamiliar people without any reason.

I am polyamorous/intimophobic – Unless you’re meeting for the night, everyone doesn’t need to know your sexual preferences. At the first meeting, you can still talk about your hobbies, musical tastes, etc. It is advisable to talk about it.

“It’s the same” and “as if” – parasitic words.

Yes/ Oki / Sorry / Sori – in business communication and correspondence with a foreigner, it is better to avoid informal slang and “buzzwords”.