If a man uses these 9 phrases in a conversation, he has the tendency to get very petty

Conversations — they’re more than just exchanging words.

They’re a window into our thoughts, feelings, and yes, even our tendencies.

One such tendency that can rear its ugly head is pettiness.

You see, according to psychology, certain phrases can signal a person’s tendency to get very petty.

And I’m not talking about that occasional sarcastic comment we all slip out. I mean the kind of pettiness that can turn a casual chat into a battleground.

Ever wondered if there’s a way to spot these signals before things get ugly?

Well, there are certain phrases that can act as warning flags. In this article, I’m going to share 9 of these phrases that, when used by a man in conversation, could indicate his propensity for pettiness.

1) “It’s just a joke”

Navigating through a conversation can be like walking on a tightrope.

And let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of using humor to lighten the mood or diffuse tension at some point.

But here’s the kicker: when a man frequently uses the phrase “It’s just a joke,” it could indicate more than just a penchant for humor.

You see, pettiness often hides behind the mask of humor. A seemingly harmless joke or sarcastic remark can actually be a veiled attempt to belittle or provoke.

If you notice this phrase popping up often, especially after a contentious point or criticism has been made, it could be a red flag.

He might be using humor as a guise to express petty feelings without having to take responsibility for them.

And that, my friends, is more than just a punchline. It’s a sign of pettiness lurking beneath the surface.

2) “You’re too sensitive”

Now, here’s something you might be familiar with: gaslighting.

This is a psychological manipulation tactic where one person makes another question their own reality or sanity. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it?

Well, the phrase “You’re too sensitive” is a classic gaslighting technique.

When a man uses this phrase, he might be trying to dismiss your feelings or reactions as being ‘over the top’. It’s as if he’s saying that the problem isn’t his action or words, but your reaction to them.

Remember this: your feelings are valid. If something bothers you, it’s important to express it.

And if expressing your feelings is met with “You’re too sensitive”, it could indicate a tendency to get petty.

Because, let’s face it, dismissing your feelings rather than addressing the issue at hand? That’s pettiness in action.

3) “I didn’t mean it like that”

While it might seem like a direct counter to the previous phrase, “I didn’t mean it like that” is another sign of pettiness you need to watch out for.

This phrase often comes into play when someone’s words have caused hurt or offense. Instead of apologizing or acknowledging the impact of his words, a petty man might use this phrase to deflect responsibility.

It’s a subtle way of saying: “You misunderstood me,” or “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

By doing so, he subtly shifts the blame onto you for misunderstanding, rather than owning up to the possible hurt his words may have caused.

4) “Why can’t you be more like…?”

Ever been compared to someone else in a conversation?

Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or an ex, being compared to others is never a pleasant experience.

When a man uses the phrase “Why can’t you be more like…,” it’s often a sign of pettiness.

Rather than appreciating you for who you are, he’s expressing dissatisfaction by comparing you unfavorably to others.

In essence, he’s using comparison as a tool to criticize or undermine you.

If this phrase becomes a common refrain in your conversations, it could indicate that he has a tendency towards pettiness. And trust me, constant comparisons and petty behavior don’t make for a healthy conversation.

5) “Whatever”

“Whatever” – it’s a word that can pack a punch when used in the right context.

Used dismissively, it can be a clear signal of pettiness. Here’s why:

• It dismisses the conversation or topic at hand
• It indicates a lack of interest in understanding or resolving the issue
• It shows an unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue

When a man uses “whatever” as a response in a heated discussion or argument, it’s often his way of shutting down the conversation. This dismissive attitude might seem insignificant at first, but it’s an indicator of a bigger issue: pettiness.

6) “I’m not mad”

Let’s be honest, we’ve all said “I’m not mad” when we clearly are. But when this phrase is used regularly, it can be a red flag.

You see, “I’m not mad” can often be a cover for underlying feelings of resentment or pettiness. It’s a way of saying, “I am upset, but I don’t want to talk about it”, while also giving the silent treatment.

When I’ve encountered this in conversations, it usually means that the other person is not willing to communicate openly about their feelings. Instead, they choose to stew in their emotions, which often leads to petty actions later on.

7) “If you say so”

Picture this: you’re in a heated discussion, and just when you think you’ve made your point clear, the response you get is, “If you say so.”

Doesn’t feel very satisfying, does it?

This phrase can be a subtle form of dismissal. Instead of engaging with your argument or viewpoint, he’s essentially shrugging it off.

By saying “If you say so,” he’s not necessarily agreeing with you. Rather, he’s indicating that he doesn’t value your opinion enough to continue the conversation.

8) “Fine, you win”

Have you ever been in a conversation that suddenly turned into a competition? I have.

I remember a time when I was debating with a friend. We were discussing a trivial matter, but it soon escalated into an intense argument.

At some point, he threw his hands up and said, “Fine, you win.” At first, I thought he was acknowledging my point. But over time, I realized that wasn’t the case.

You see, “Fine, you win” is often used not as an acknowledgment of your valid point but as a way to end the discussion abruptly. It’s a way to make you feel like you’re being unreasonable or argumentative.

Rather than addressing the issue at hand, he’s declaring you the “winner” of an unnecessary competition. And this kind of dismissive behavior can be a clear sign of pettiness.

9) “I was just saying”

The last phrase on our list is, “I was just saying.” This one can be a tough pill to swallow.

This phrase is often used as a defense mechanism, a way to downplay the impact of one’s words. It’s as if by saying, “I was just saying,” he can absolve himself of the hurt or offense his words might have caused.

But here’s the thing: words have power. And trying to dilute their impact with “I was just saying” can be a clear indicator of pettiness.

If you notice this phrase being used frequently, it’s worth paying attention. It might just be the sign you need to understand the level of pettiness you’re dealing with in your conversations.

So, what can you do?

Recognizing pettiness in conversation is the first step, but it doesn’t end there. Once you’ve identified these signs, the question becomes: how do you respond?

• Establish boundaries: Make it clear what kind of behavior you’re willing to accept in conversation.
• Encourage empathy: Try to foster understanding by sharing how these phrases make you feel.
• Seek professional help: If the behavior persists or escalates, consider seeking help from a professional counselor or therapist.

Remember, conversations should be a two-way street, built on respect and understanding. If these phrases come up frequently, it might be time for a serious chat about communication styles.

After all, isn’t it better to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of pettiness?