1
This sarcastic phrase masks hurt feelings. It’s often used to deflect vulnerability without addressing the real emotion.
2
Classic move to dodge accountability. It redirects blame and ignores how the other person actually felt.
3
This invalidates the other person’s emotions to protect the speaker’s ego and shut down uncomfortable feedback.
4
Used to cover up passive aggression or avoid owning a hurtful comment by labeling it as humor.
5
Bringing in imaginary allies is a tactic to avoid personal accountability or soften personal criticism.
6
This guilt-inducing phrase plays the victim to avoid real discussion or change—classic emotional deflection tool.
7
A shutdown phrase that signals defensiveness. It’s a retreat masked as indifference when emotions feel too intense.