If someone uses these 8 phrases in a conversation, they’re probably not very fond of you

If you really pay attention, you’ll catch the unspoken cues in conversations—the things people reveal without directly saying them.

Sometimes, the way someone talks to you can feel… off.

It’s subtle, but it’s there—a slight dig, a dismissive comment, or a phrase that leaves you wondering if there’s more beneath the surface.

When someone doesn’t like you, they rarely come out and say it.

Instead, their feelings sneak into their words.

In this article, I’ll highlight eight phrases that might reveal hidden resentment, helping you pick up on the clues and navigate these tricky interactions with confidence.

1) “Whatever”

Language is a powerful tool. It can be used to convey deep emotions, intricate thoughts, and subtle hints – if you know how to read them.

One such hint is the dismissive phrase “whatever”.

While it might seem harmless on the surface, this word can carry a lot of weight in a conversation.

It’s often used as a verbal shrug, a way of showing indifference or lack of interest in what the other person is saying.

Imagine pouring your heart out to someone or sharing an idea you’re excited about, only to be met with a nonchalant “whatever”. It’s deflating, isn’t it?

If someone frequently uses this phrase in your conversations, it could be a sign that they’re not as invested in the interaction as you are.

Communication is more than just the words we say.

How we say them and when we choose to use them can speak volumes about our feelings towards others.

2) “I’m not judging, but…”

We’ve all been there. You’re sharing a story, a decision you made, or perhaps a bit of personal news, when the person you’re talking to responds with a phrase that starts with “I’m not judging, but…”.

Let me tell you about a time this happened to me.

I had just made the decision to quit my job and pursue freelance writing full-time.

It was a big step, and I was sharing the news with a friend over coffee.

His response? “I’m not judging, but isn’t that kind of risky?”

Now, on the surface, it might look like he was just expressing concern.

But here’s the thing: anything that follows “I’m not judging, but…” is most likely a judgment.

This phrase is often used as a way to voice disapproval or criticism without sounding too harsh.

It’s a subtle way of saying “I don’t agree with you” or “I think you’re making a mistake”.

If someone uses this phrase regularly in your conversations, it could be a sign that they’re not very fond of your choices – or perhaps even of you.

3) “That’s just like you”

Let’s talk about the phrase “That’s just like you”.

On the surface, it might seem like an innocent observation.

But delve a little deeper, and you might find a hidden layer of disdain.

The phrase “that’s just like you” is often used to stereotype or pigeonhole someone.

It’s a way of attributing a person’s actions or decisions to their inherent character traits, often in a negative light.

For example, if you forget to reply to a text and the other person says “That’s just like you”, they’re essentially typecasting you as someone who is always forgetful or disorganized.

Interestingly, according to social psychology, this reflects more on the speaker than the person they’re talking about.

It’s known as the Fundamental Attribution Error – the tendency to explain someone’s behavior based on internal factors, like personality traits, rather than considering external factors that may have influenced them.

If someone frequently uses this phrase in your conversations, it could indicate that they have a fixed, possibly negative image of you in their mind.

4) “No offense, but…”

Here’s another one that we’ve all heard before – “No offense, but…”. This phrase is a classic example of a backhanded compliment or veiled insult.

The person saying it might claim they’re not trying to offend you, but the reality is, what follows is usually a statement that is offensive or insulting.

For instance, if someone says to you, “No offense, but I don’t think that outfit suits you,” they’re essentially saying they don’t like your outfit.

The “No offense” part is just a preface to soften the blow.

Using this phrase is a way for people to express negative opinions while trying to avoid the consequences of their words.

It’s a defense mechanism designed to shield them from backlash or upset.

If someone uses this phrase frequently in your conversations, it might be a sign that they’re not very fond of you, as they feel the need to criticize you under the guise of not wanting to cause offense.

Constructive criticism doesn’t need such disclaimers – genuine feedback should always be clear and respectful.

5) “If I were you…”

When someone starts a sentence with “If I were you…”, it’s often followed by unsolicited advice.

It’s their way of imposing their own values, decisions, or behaviors onto you, without considering your own unique circumstances or feelings.

This phrase can be especially hurtful when it comes from someone close to you.

It can feel as if they’re suggesting that they know better than you do about your own life.

It’s as if your own feelings, thoughts, and experiences are being dismissed.

The truth is, no one else can fully understand your personal journey.

Each of us has our own experiences, values, and perspectives that shape our decisions.

What works for one person may not work for another.

When someone often uses “If I were you…” in your conversations, it could indicate a lack of respect for your autonomy and individuality.

6) “You’re too sensitive”

There’s a phrase that used to sting me every time I heard it – “You’re too sensitive”.

This phrase is often used as a way to undermine your feelings or reactions.

It’s a way of saying that you’re overreacting or that your emotions are invalid.

Moreover, psychologists say, it can be sa precursor to gaslighting.

I’ve always been someone who feels things deeply, and for a long time, I saw this as a flaw.

Whenever I expressed hurt or upset and was met with “You’re too sensitive”, it felt like a dismissal of my emotions.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that being sensitive isn’t a weakness.

It’s a strength. It allows us to empathize with others, build deeper relationships, and respond with compassion.

Dismissing someone’s feelings with phrases like “You’re too sensitive” is not only unkind but also unhelpful.

If someone consistently uses this phrase during your interactions, it could be a sign that they’re not very fond of you.

7) “You always…” or “You never…”

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a sentence starting with “You always…” or “You never…”?

These phrases are often used to exaggerate a person’s behaviors, usually in a negative light.

These words can feel like an attack because they categorize your actions in absolutes.

They don’t leave room for exceptions or changes in behavior.

If someone says, “You never listen to me,” they’re not only expressing their frustration but also painting a picture of you as someone who is perpetually dismissive.

The truth is, no one always or never does something.

People are capable of change and growth.

By using these absolute terms, the speaker is refusing to acknowledge this.

8) “It’s just a joke”

According to psychologists, the phrase “It’s just a joke” is often used as a way to downplay hurtful or offensive comments.

It’s a way for people to hide behind humor while expressing negative sentiments.

Humor can be a powerful tool for connection and relaxation, but when it’s used to belittle or hurt someone, it loses its positive impact.

If someone continually makes jokes at your expense and then brushes off your feelings with “It’s just a joke”, they’re invalidating your feelings and refusing to take responsibility for their words.

It allows them to express negativity towards you without facing the consequences of their behavior.

True humor should bring joy, not pain.

Final thoughts

Here’s the thing about words: they’re windows into how someone really feels.

If you’re hearing phrases like “You’re too sensitive” or “It’s just a joke” more often than you’d like, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect.

These comments aren’t always about you; they often say more about the person using them.

However, this doesn’t mean you have to accept them.

You deserve conversations rooted in respect, not veiled hostility.

The key is to recognize when someone’s behavior crosses a line and decide how much space you want to give them in your life.

After all, the way people speak to you sets the tone for the relationship—and you get to choose the tone you’re willing to accept.