Explore the situations covered by Everyday Wording. Browse our practical guides below, with ready-to-use wording for everyday conversations.
Friendship and relationships
Friendships. Making friends, reconnecting and discussing hurt feelings. Read How to Ask Someone to Hang Out Without Feeling Awkward and How to Text an Old Friend After a Long Time.
How to invite a new friend for coffee
How to tell someone you would like to get to know them better
How to ask an acquaintance to exchange contact details
How to invite a friend from a class to meet outside it
How to suggest a regular catch-up with a new friend
How to ask to join a group activity
How to follow up after meeting someone at a party
How to turn a pleasant conversation into a concrete plan
How to invite someone to an activity you are already attending
How to make it clear an invitation is platonic
How to ask a mutual friend to introduce you to someone
How to tell a new friend you enjoyed spending time together
How to invite someone out when you do not drink
How to suggest a low-cost activity to someone you just met
How to ask a new friend about their availability
How to respond when a new friend declines your invitation
How to invite a couple to spend time with you and your partner
How to ask someone from an online community to meet in public
How to suggest a group hangout before meeting one to one
How to invite someone to a hobby session without assuming their skill level
How to tell an acquaintance you are new to the area
How to ask a friend if you can meet their other friends
How to respond when someone says you should hang out sometime
How to ask whether someone prefers calls or messages
How to reconnect with a friend after you stopped replying
How to reach out to a friend after an unresolved disagreement
How to ask an old friend to meet when you are visiting their town
How to reconnect with a childhood friend you found online
How to message a former classmate without sounding like a sales pitch
How to tell an old friend that something reminded you of them
How to reach out after missing several important events in a friend’s life
How to ask an old friend whether they still use the same number
How to respond when an old friend contacts you unexpectedly
How to explain why you withdrew from friends without oversharing
How to tell an old friend you miss your friendship
How to reconnect after you moved away
How to reach out to someone you met only once
How to contact a friend after a social media break
How to respond when an old friend asks why you disappeared
How to reconnect with a friend whose life is now very different
How to ask an old friend whether they would welcome a call
How to respond when a reconnection message goes unanswered
How to tell someone you are happy to hear from them but cannot meet
How to reconnect with a former neighbour
How to message a friend after hearing their good news through someone else
How to reach out to a friend you drifted from after becoming a parent
How to respond when an old friend wants to pick up where you left off
How to reconnect with a friend after discovering an old unread message
How to tell a friend you need more space
How to tell a friend you cannot be available every day
How to tell a friend you want to end the friendship
How to tell a friend you do not want to lend your car
How to ask a friend not to share your secrets
How to tell a friend you cannot keep covering for them
How to ask a friend to stop making decisions for you
How to tell a friend you prefer not to share your location
How to tell a friend you do not want to share details of another friendship
How to tell a friend you cannot always be their emergency contact
How to ask a friend to stop using your things without permission
How to tell a friend you need a break from discussing one topic
How to ask a friend not to make plans on your behalf
How to tell a friend you cannot keep being the designated driver
How to ask a friend not to use your name as an excuse
How to tell a friend you do not want to be part of a prank
How to ask a friend to stop turning up early
How to tell a friend you cannot help them move again
How to ask a friend not to give out your phone number
How to tell a friend you want to keep some friendships separate
How to ask a friend to stop pressuring you to drink
How to tell a friend you do not want to share an account
How to ask a friend not to borrow sentimental belongings
How to tell a friend you cannot keep storing their possessions
How to respond when a friend says your boundary is selfish
How to tell a friend they hurt your feelings
How to ask a friend why they have been distant
How to tell a friend you feel left out
How to ask a friend to stop making jokes at your expense
How to tell a friend you feel you always initiate contact
How to respond when a friend accuses you of not caring
How to tell a friend that their teasing has gone too far
How to ask a friend about something they said behind your back
How to explain that you felt dismissed during a conversation
How to tell a friend you are uncomfortable being compared with others
How to respond when a friend says you have changed
How to explain to mutual friends that you are no longer close to someone
How to tell a friend you felt embarrassed by a public comment
How to ask a friend to stop competing with your achievements
How to tell a friend you do not want to take sides
How to respond when two friends give conflicting accounts of an argument
How to ask a friend to speak to you directly instead of through others
How to tell a friend their advice felt judgmental
How to respond when a friend copies something personal to you
How to explain a misunderstanding before it damages a friendship
How to tell a friend you need more balanced conversations
How to ask a friend to stop excluding your partner
How to respond when a friend brings up old mistakes in every disagreement
Family. Conversations with parents, siblings, relatives and in-laws. Read How to Ask Family to Call Before Visiting.
How to tell relatives you are keeping a decision private
How to tell relatives you cannot host the holiday this year
How to explain that you want a holiday with just your household
How to tell relatives you do not want to discuss your salary
How to tell relatives you cannot lend them your home
How to ask relatives not to comment on your food portions
How to ask family to check before offering you unwanted furniture
How to tell your parents you are moving out
How to ask your parents to knock before entering your room
How to explain a major life decision without asking permission
How to ask your parents not to comment on your relationship choices
How to ask your parents to return an important document
How to discuss paying your share while living with your parents
How to ask your parents to treat your partner respectfully
How to tell your adult child you cannot provide unlimited financial help
How to ask an adult child how they would like you to stay in touch
How to ask an adult child whether they want advice
How to tell a sibling you cannot lend them more money
How to tell a sibling you cannot babysit at short notice
How to tell a sibling you want to resolve an argument privately
How to ask a relative about family history without prying
How to tell a cousin you cannot help them find accommodation
How to tell a relative you do not remember them
How to ask a sibling to contribute to a joint gift
How to respond when a sibling asks you to keep a difficult secret
How to ask in-laws to stop giving unsolicited advice
How to ask your partner to join a conversation with their parents
How to tell in-laws you are making a parenting decision together
How to ask a stepparent what they would like you to call them
How to tell a stepchild you want to get to know them without pressure
How to introduce your partner to relatives with different expectations
How to tell in-laws you would like to bring a dish from your own tradition
How to ask in-laws to stop making plans for your future children
How to explain how you are dividing time between two families
How to tell in-laws you appreciate an offer but have another arrangement
How to ask family members to avoid criticising a child’s other parent
Dating. Asking someone out, early messages and kind rejection. Read How to Politely Turn Down a Second Date.
How to ask someone out clearly
How to ask a friend on a date without disguising your intentions
How to ask someone for their number respectfully
How to invite a dating-app match to meet in person
How to ask someone out after meeting them at an event
How to suggest a daytime first date
How to ask someone on a date without assuming they are single
How to ask whether an invitation is a date
How to respond when someone asks whether you are flirting
How to tell someone you are interested without making a grand declaration
How to suggest a first date that does not involve alcohol
How to ask someone out when your schedules rarely overlap
How to suggest a specific date after weeks of chatting
How to ask a person you met through friends if they would like dinner
How to invite someone to a second date
How to ask for a phone call before a first date
How to suggest meeting halfway for a date
How to ask someone their preferred way to make date plans
How to tell someone you would like to plan the next date
How to ask a date about dietary preferences before booking
How to respond when someone says maybe to a date invitation
How to ask someone whether they want to continue getting to know each other
How to tell a date you prefer to meet in a public place
How to ask to change a first-date activity without rejecting the person
How to reply to a first message on a dating app
How to restart a dating conversation that has gone quiet
How to tell a dating match you prefer not to text all day
How to ask a match what they are looking for
How to respond when a date asks if you got home safely
How to tell a date you had a good time without promising another meeting
How to ask a match to clarify a confusing message
How to respond to a one-word answer without carrying the whole conversation
How to tell someone you do not want to exchange photos
How to respond when a dating match asks to move to another app
How to tell someone you do not want to discuss an ex on the first date
How to respond when someone messages you again after disappearing
How to respond when a date cancels but does not suggest another time
How to ask someone to stop making sexual jokes in early conversations
How to tell a dating match you are not ready to meet yet
How to respond when someone sends you an unsolicited intimate message
How to tell a date that an intense compliment feels too much too soon
How to ask whether a date’s comment was meant as a joke
How to tell someone you prefer a call to a long text conversation
How to tell a dating match you want to slow the pace
How to ask a dating match to stop messaging late at night
How to tell a date you would rather split the bill
How to offer to pay for a date without making it an obligation
How to cancel a first date before meeting someone
How to tell someone you only want friendship
How to decline a date from someone in your friend group
How to respond gracefully when someone turns you down
How to tell a match you have decided to stop dating
How to tell someone you are seeing another person
How to respond when someone asks for another chance after rejection
How to tell a friend you cannot return their romantic feelings
How to decline a request for your phone number
How to tell someone you do not want to meet at their home
How to respond when someone wants an explanation for your lack of attraction
How to tell a date you are leaving because you feel uncomfortable
How to decline an invitation to stay overnight after a date
How to respond when someone offers friendship after rejecting you
How to tell someone you need space after they turn you down
How to decline a date arranged by your family
How to tell a mutual friend to stop trying to set you up
How to respond when someone says you led them on
How to tell a dating match that a discovered incompatibility matters to you
How to decline a romantic gift without accepting the implied interest
How to tell someone you do not want to keep chatting after a rejected date
Relationships. Needs, expectations, disagreements and changes in a relationship.
How to discuss what exclusivity means before making assumptions
How to tell an ex you need no contact
How to ask an ex to return your belongings
How to respond when someone breaks up with you
How to arrange a practical conversation after a breakup
How to ask your partner to share more of the planning
How to tell your partner you need alone time
How to ask your partner for more quality time
How to tell your partner you want more affection
How to ask your partner to listen before offering solutions
How to tell your partner you need reassurance
How to discuss different texting expectations with your partner
How to tell an ex you cannot be their main source of support
How to tell your partner you want to keep a hobby of your own
How to ask your partner to put their phone away during meals
How to discuss how often you want to see each other
How to tell your partner you are not ready to move in together
How to ask your partner how they feel about living together
How to tell your partner you need a quieter evening
How to ask your partner to tell you about changes to shared plans
How to tell your partner you prefer private displays of affection
How to ask your partner not to joke about your relationship in public
How to tell your partner you want more notice before visitors come over
How to discuss different holiday expectations with your partner
How to ask your partner to celebrate a milestone that matters to you
How to ask friends not to give you updates about your ex
How to ask your partner for help without turning it into a test
How to tell your partner you want to revisit a decision you made together
How to ask your partner to speak more directly about what they need
How to tell your partner you want to spend time with friends separately
How to tell your partner you do not want a trial separation
How to end a relationship kindly and clearly
Invitations and milestones
Invitations. Inviting, accepting, declining and changing plans. Read How to Politely Decline an Invitation: What to Say in 12 Situations.
How to Accept an Invitation Without Sounding Overly Formal
How to Ask Whether an Invitation Includes Your Partner
How to Ask If You Can Bring a Friend to a Party
How to Clarify Whether a Casual Invitation Is a Firm Plan
How to Decline a Weekly Social Invitation Without Ending the Friendship
How to Invite Someone Without Making Them Feel Obliged to Attend
How to Ask for the Address After Accepting an Invitation
How to Tell a Host You Can Only Stay for Part of an Event
How to Respond When Someone Invites Themselves Along
How to Invite an Acquaintance to a Small Gathering
How to Ask Whether Children Are Included in an Invitation
How to Decline an Invitation Because You Need Time Alone
How to Suggest Meeting One to One Instead of Attending a Group Event
How to Respond to a Last-Minute Invitation When You Already Have Plans
How to Invite Someone You Previously Forgot to Include
How to Ask a Host About Accessibility Before Accepting
How to Ask Whether an Event Will Be Indoors or Outdoors
How to Accept a Second Invitation After Declining the First
How to Respond When Someone Asks Why You Declined
How to Invite Two Friends Who Have Never Met Each Other
How to Ask If an Invitation Is Still Open
How to Tell Someone an Invitation Was Meant for a Different Person
How to Respond When You Are Invited as a Replacement Guest
How to Invite a New Neighbour Over Without Putting Them on the Spot
How to Cancel Plans After Saying You Might Attend
How to Cancel Plans You Already Confirmed
How to Reschedule a Catch-Up Without Seeming Uninterested
How to Tell Someone You Are Running Late
How to Ask Whether Your Plans Are Still Happening
How to Respond When a Friend Cancels at the Last Minute
How to Tell a Group You Can No Longer Attend
How to Suggest a New Meeting Time After Two Failed Attempts
How to Tell Someone You Went to the Wrong Meeting Place
How to Ask a Friend to Confirm Plans by a Specific Time
How to Cancel an Outdoor Plan Because of Bad Weather
How to Explain That You Accidentally Double-Booked Yourself
How to Respond When Plans Change Without Anyone Telling You
How to Ask to Move a Late-Night Plan to Earlier in the Day
How to Tell Someone You Need a Shorter Visit Than Planned
How to Suggest a Different Activity After Tickets Sell Out
How to ask a friend to stop making vague plans
How to decline a rescheduled event you can no longer attend
How to tell someone you cannot wait any longer for them
How to change a restaurant booking with the rest of your group
How to ask someone to let you know before inviting more people
How to respond when a friend keeps postponing a catch-up
How to tell a host you may need to leave unexpectedly
How to explain that your childcare fell through
How to cancel a visit when someone in your household is unwell
Celebrations. Birthdays, weddings, milestones and sharing news. Read How to Say You Do Not Want to Celebrate Your Birthday.
How to decline a destination wedding invitation
How to tell a couple you cannot afford to attend their wedding
How to ask whether you have a wedding plus-one
How to tell wedding guests that children are not invited
How to decline being a bridesmaid or groomsman
How to step down from a wedding party after accepting
How to ask wedding guests to RSVP
How to tell someone they are not invited to your small wedding
How to explain that you are having a private ceremony
How to ask guests not to post wedding photos before you do
How to tell a couple you cannot attend every wedding event
How to decline a wedding speech
How to ask someone to give a reading at your wedding
How to tell a wedding guest their requested plus-one is not included
How to ask family to stop adding people to your guest list
How to tell wedding guests about a change of venue
How to explain a wedding dress code clearly
How to ask a friend to stop comparing your weddings
How to tell relatives you are eloping
How to respond when someone is upset about not being in your wedding party
How to ask a wedding guest about dietary requirements
How to ask guests not to use their phones during your ceremony
How to respond when someone asks how much your wedding cost
How to ask friends not to throw you a surprise party
How to invite friends to a birthday meal where everyone pays separately
How to tell guests there will not be a full meal at your party
How to ask people not to sing happy birthday to you
How to respond when a friend forgets your birthday
How to wish someone a happy birthday after you have lost touch
How to ask a friend what they would enjoy doing for their birthday
How to tell someone you cannot organise their party this year
How to explain that you want a small birthday celebration
How to ask a parent about a child’s party invitation
How to tell parents that a party is drop-off only
How to ask whether siblings can attend a child’s birthday party
How to tell a guest they cannot bring alcohol to your party
How to ask a friend not to announce their news at your celebration
How to respond to a birthday message from an ex
How to thank everyone for birthday wishes in one message
How to tell friends that your birthday dinner has a spending limit
How to ask someone to keep a surprise party secret
How to tell guests a party is being postponed
How to respond when someone asks why you were not at their party
How to tell a friend you feel overlooked at your shared birthday
How to invite someone to a belated birthday celebration
How to ask guests not to bring confetti or glitter
How to tell someone you would rather celebrate on a different day
How to respond to a pregnancy announcement when you have mixed feelings
How to tell friends you have good news without making a big announcement
How to send an anniversary message to a couple
How to share good news with a friend going through a difficult time
Gifts and gratitude. Giving, receiving and expressing thanks. Read How to Tell Family You Would Prefer No Gifts and How to Write a Thank-You Note for a Thoughtful Gift.
How to thank someone for a gift you do not like
How to politely decline an expensive gift
How to tell someone a gift arrived damaged
How to ask if a present was meant for you
How to explain that you cannot afford a gift exchange this year
How to suggest a spending limit for family gifts
How to ask people to stop giving your child so many toys
How to tell someone you prefer experiences to physical gifts
How to offer someone an item you received but will not use
How to ask a friend what gift they would actually find useful
How to respond when someone returns your gift
How to tell someone their gift has not arrived yet
How to explain that you forgot to bring a present
How to ask whether a shared gift contribution is optional
How to decline a gift that comes with conditions
How to ask someone not to buy you clothes
How to tell someone a food gift conflicts with your dietary needs
How to respond when someone asks whether you use their gift
How to give a secondhand gift without making it awkward
How to tell relatives you are stopping adult Christmas gifts
How to ask before buying someone a large household item
How to offer a sentimental item to another family member
How to explain that you cannot keep every handmade gift
How to thank someone for hosting you overnight
How to thank a friend for helping you move
How to thank someone for listening during a difficult week
How to thank a neighbour for collecting your parcels
How to thank someone for lending you money
How to thank a friend for looking after your pet
How to thank someone for giving you a lift
How to thank a relative for babysitting
How to thank a friend for introducing you to new people
How to thank someone for including you in a celebration
How to thank someone for cooking you a meal
How to thank a person who returned your lost belongings
How to thank someone for standing up for you
How to thank a friend for respecting your boundaries
How to write a late thank-you note
How to thank someone for a gift when you do not know who sent it
How to thank a group for organising a surprise
How to thank someone for helping with an application
How to thank a teacher who made a difference to you
How to thank a friend for supporting your creative project
How to thank someone for lending you their home
How to thank someone for remembering an important date
How to thank a friend for telling you a difficult truth
How to respond when someone thanks you sincerely
Boundaries and repair
Boundaries and privacy. Intrusive questions, personal information and saying no. Read How to Respond When Someone Asks When You Are Having Children.
How to respond when someone asks where you are really from
How to decline to reveal how you voted
Apologies and repair. Making apologies, receiving them and moving forward. Read How to Accept an Apology Without Saying It Is Okay.
How to apologise for forgetting a friend’s birthday
How to apologise for interrupting someone
How to apologise for sharing a friend’s private news
How to apologise for a joke that hurt someone
How to apologise for snapping when you were stressed
How to apologise for leaving someone out of a group plan
How to apologise for not replying to an important message
How to apologise for making an assumption about someone
How to apologise for breaking something you borrowed
How to apologise for letting a friend down
How to apologise for repeating a rumour
How to apologise for an argument you started in public
How to apologise for forgetting a promise
How to apologise without adding an excuse
How to apologise when you only partly agree about what happened
How to ask if someone is ready to hear your apology
How to apologise for dismissing someone’s feelings
How to apologise for using the wrong name
How to apologise for giving unwanted advice
How to apologise for taking credit for someone else’s idea
How to apologise for being distracted during a conversation
How to apologise for making a private disagreement public
How to follow up on an apology without demanding forgiveness
How to tell someone you need time before forgiving them
How to respond to an apology that blames you
How to respond when someone says sorry but keeps doing the same thing
How to accept an apology without restarting a friendship
How to respond to an apology for a minor inconvenience
How to tell someone their apology did not address what happened
How to respond when someone apologises on another person’s behalf
How to ask someone what they mean by their apology
How to respond to an apology delivered in a group chat
How to accept a written apology when you prefer to talk
How to respond when someone demands that you accept their apology
How to tell someone you appreciate a change more than another apology
How to respond to an apology after years of silence
How to accept an apology for a misunderstanding you both contributed to
How to respond when an apology includes a gift
How to tell someone you forgive them but need a boundary
How to respond when someone apologises for having feelings
How to respond when someone says sorry too often
How to ask for an apology without forcing a scripted response
How to tell someone you are not ready for a reconciliation meeting
How to respond when an apology arrives on your birthday
How to accept an apology without taking blame for their behaviour
How to respond when someone takes back their apology
Conversation skills. Starting, sustaining, ending and redirecting a conversation. Read How to Accept a Compliment Without Denying It.
How to accept a compliment about your appearance
How to respond to a backhanded compliment
How to compliment someone without commenting on their body
How to compliment a stranger without making them uncomfortable
How to tell a friend you admire their creativity
How to respond when someone compliments your outfit
How to respond to a compliment you do not believe
How to accept praise in front of a group
How to compliment someone’s effort without sounding patronising
How to respond when a compliment feels flirtatious
How to tell someone their compliments make you uncomfortable
How to compliment a friend after a difficult achievement
How to respond when someone compares you favourably with a friend
How to accept a compliment without immediately returning one
How to compliment someone you have just met
How to respond when someone calls you talented
How to tell someone you appreciate their sense of humour
How to respond to repeated compliments about the same thing
How to compliment someone’s home without asking about its price
How to tell a friend you are proud of them
How to respond when someone compliments your child
How to compliment someone’s cooking honestly
How to respond when a compliment includes an unwanted nickname
How to ask someone not to comment on changes to your appearance
How to start a conversation with an acquaintance
How to make small talk after the usual introductory questions
How to introduce yourself to a new neighbour
How to start a conversation at a party where you know nobody
How to ask someone about their interests without interviewing them
How to keep a conversation going after a short answer
How to join a conversation without interrupting
How to introduce two people who do not know each other
How to respond when you forget someone’s name
How to ask someone to repeat their name
How to talk to someone you recognise but have never met
How to find a shared topic when you have different interests
How to start a conversation while waiting in a queue
How to ask a follow-up question that shows you listened
How to respond when someone asks what you have been up to
How to make conversation with your friend’s partner
How to talk about a hobby without monopolising the conversation
How to respond when you know nothing about the topic
How to ask someone to explain a reference you missed
How to bring a quiet person into a conversation
How to recover after an awkward silence
How to respond when someone gives a much longer answer than expected
How to say you have heard a story before without embarrassing the speaker
How to ask a question without making an assumption about someone’s family
How to restart a conversation after an interruption
How to end a conversation without inventing an excuse
How to leave one conversation to join another at a party
How to end a phone call with someone who keeps talking
How to tell someone you need to return to what you were doing
How to change the subject when a conversation becomes uncomfortable
How to interrupt someone politely when you need to leave
How to end a video call without an awkward countdown
How to tell a friend you are too tired to keep chatting
How to leave a conversation when two people start arguing
How to ask to return to a topic later
How to stop a conversation from becoming gossip
How to tell someone you do not want to debate a topic
How to redirect a conversation that keeps returning to the same complaint
How to end a conversation with a stranger on public transport
How to leave a group call without stopping everyone else
How to say goodbye when you are the first person leaving
How to tell someone you cannot talk while driving
How to ask to finish your sentence
How to bring a wandering conversation back to your question
How to end a conversation after someone ignores your goodbye
How to tell a friend you only have ten minutes to talk
How to pause a disagreement before it becomes an argument
How to respond when someone says you are avoiding the conversation
How to ask for a quieter place to continue talking
How to tell someone you prefer to discuss a subject in person
Everyday practical conversations
Everyday requests. Small requests and ordinary social situations.
How to ask someone to move their bag from a seat
How to ask a stranger to take a photo of you
How to ask someone to speak more quietly in a shared space
Home and neighbours. Guests, roommates and neighbour conversations. Read How to Politely Tell Guests It Is Time to Leave, How to Ask a Roommate to Clean Up After Themselves and How to Ask a Neighbour to Turn Down Their Music.
How to put an end time on a gathering invitation
How to tell visitors you cannot host them overnight
How to ask overnight guests how long they plan to stay
How to tell guests your home is not available for their next visit
How to ask visitors to remove their shoes
How to ask guests not to smoke inside your home
How to tell guests not to bring their pets
How to ask a visitor to check before bringing extra guests
How to explain your house rules without sounding controlling
How to ask guests to help clear up after dinner
How to tell someone you cannot host a surprise gathering
How to ask visitors to keep the noise down after bedtime
How to respond when a guest criticises your home
How to tell a host you are bringing your own food
How to ask a host if you can arrive early
How to tell your host you would prefer to stay in a hotel
How to ask a guest what name and pronouns to use
How to explain that you cannot offer a guest a private room
How to ask a visitor to stop rearranging your belongings
How to tell guests that a room is off limits
How to ask someone to check before opening your cupboards
How to respond when an overnight guest extends their visit
How to tell a host that you accidentally broke something
How to ask guests not to share your home address
How to tell a roommate their overnight guest is staying too often
How to tell a roommate you need the bathroom at a particular time
How to talk to a roommate about sharing kitchen storage
How to ask a roommate to lock the door
How to tell a roommate you are planning to move out
How to ask a roommate to clear their laundry from the machine
How to tell a roommate you cannot look after their pet
How to ask a roommate to replace shared supplies
How to discuss changing the furniture in a shared room
How to ask a roommate to tell you when something breaks
How to talk to a roommate about strong cooking smells
How to tell a roommate you want to choose the next housemate together
How to ask a roommate for a regular house check-in
How to ask a neighbour to move a car blocking your driveway
How to tell a neighbour you are planning a noisy gathering
How to ask a neighbour not to feed your pet
How to ask a neighbour to collect a parcel while you are away
How to tell a neighbour you cannot keep accepting their deliveries
How to ask a neighbour about a recurring noise without accusing them
How to respond to a neighbour’s noise complaint
How to ask a neighbour before trimming a shared hedge
How to tell a neighbour you found an item that might be theirs
How to ask a neighbour to keep a shared entrance clear
How to tell a neighbour their dog has been barking while they are out
How to ask a neighbour not to photograph your garden
How to ask a neighbour about joining a local community group
How to ask a neighbour not to park in your assigned space
How to respond to an anonymous complaint note
How to ask a neighbour to check before using your bins
How to tell a neighbour you are expecting building work
How to ask a neighbour whether they know about a local disruption
How to ask a neighbour to stop discussing your private life
How to tell a neighbour their parcel was delivered to you
Money and sharing. Borrowing, repayment and shared expenses. Read How to Ask a Friend to Pay You Back and How to Remind Friends to Pay Their Share of a Group Trip.
How to decline a request to borrow money
How to tell a friend you can only lend a smaller amount
How to tell someone you cannot repay them on the promised date
How to tell someone you would rather give a small gift than a loan
How to ask a friend whether they meant money as a gift or a loan
How to tell a friend you cannot keep paying their expenses
How to ask to borrow something without assuming the answer is yes
How to tell someone a borrowed item has been lost
How to ask permission before lending out something you borrowed
How to tell someone you have repaid them and ask them to check
How to explain a mistaken transfer to a friend
How to ask someone to return your spare key
How to respond when a friend offers to waive a debt
How to ask a friend to put a lending arrangement in writing
How to tell someone you cannot be their guarantor
How to tell friends an outing is outside your budget
How to ask a group to agree on costs before booking
How to tell friends you will not pay for activities you are skipping
How to ask for your share of a cancelled booking back
How to ask someone to contribute to petrol costs
How to tell friends you prefer a cheaper accommodation option
How to ask whether a dinner invitation means you are being treated
How to tell a group that an unexpected charge needs discussing
How to ask a friend to cover their guest’s share
How to ask someone to explain a group payment request
How to discuss splitting groceries when you eat separately
How to tell a group you are withdrawing before a non-refundable booking
How to ask friends to choose a plan everyone can afford
How to respond when someone publicly mentions what you owe
How to ask someone to return a borrowed item
How to tell a friend you need a loan repaid earlier than expected
Digital communication. Texts, group chats and online boundaries.
How to respond to a message meant for someone else
How to explain that a short reply does not mean you are angry
How to tell someone you accidentally sent them the wrong message
How to tell someone you have changed your phone number
How to ask someone who they are when you do not recognise their number
How to respond when someone sends a long voice note you cannot listen to
How to tell someone you prefer not to receive forwarded messages
How to respond to a vague message that only says your name
How to ask someone to use one messaging app for important plans
How to respond to a missed call when you cannot call back
How to leave a group chat without making it a personal rejection
How to tell a group you are muting notifications
How to ask a group to keep important plans in one message
How to ask before adding someone to a group chat
How to correct misinformation in a family group chat politely
How to ask a group to include someone who was left out
How to ask people to stop tagging you in every message
How to ask a group to use a poll to settle plans
How to ask a group not to share graphic content
How to welcome a new person into a group conversation
How to tell a group that an event update needs acknowledgment
How to close a temporary group chat after its event is over
How to ask someone to remove an unflattering photo they posted
How to ask a friend not to tag you in posts
How to tell a friend you do not want to be part of their online content
How to ask a friend if they want their face blurred in a photo
How to respond when someone asks why you unfollowed them
How to tell someone you keep your social account private
How to ask a relative not to post pictures of your child
How to respond to a public comment that misrepresents what you said
How to ask someone to credit your photo
How to ask someone to delete a post containing your personal information
How to tell someone you prefer not to discuss politics on your page
How to ask a friend not to livestream a private gathering
How to tell someone you are deleting a social media account
How to ask someone to correct your relationship status in a post
How to ask someone to remove your name from a fundraiser you did not agree to
Travel and outings. Plans, preferences and travel companions.
How to tell friends you want to travel separately
How to tell a travel companion you prefer separate rooms
How to tell friends you are leaving a trip early
How to ask a travel companion to be ready on time
How to tell someone you do not want to share your suitcase space
How to tell a travel companion you need quieter accommodation
How to ask a friend whether they are comfortable driving on a trip
How to ask a travel companion to stop filming every moment
How to tell a travel companion that you are uncomfortable with a plan
How to tell a friend you would rather not travel together again
Support and community
Support and care. Encouragement, sympathy and practical help.
How to check in on a friend who seems overwhelmed
How to offer practical help without saying let me know if you need anything
How to encourage a friend before an important exam
How to respond when a friend says they feel like a failure
How to offer to accompany a friend to a difficult appointment
How to offer a meal to someone having a difficult week
How to respond when a friend shares upsetting news by text
How to message a friend whose family member has died
How to check in on a grieving friend after the funeral
How to acknowledge the anniversary of someone’s loss
How to tell a grieving friend they do not need to host you
How to share a memory of someone who died
How to decline a funeral invitation with care
How to respond when a grieving person wants to talk about ordinary things
Culture and beliefs. Differences in traditions, beliefs and expectations.
How to ask about a religious event before attending
How to respond when someone offers to pray for you
How to decline participation in a ritual respectfully
How to ask what to wear to a cultural celebration
How to wish someone well for a holiday you do not celebrate
How to ask someone whether a greeting is appropriate
How to respond when someone assumes you share their religion
How to ask permission before photographing a ceremony
How to apologise for accidentally misunderstanding a cultural custom
How to tell a host you need a short break during an unfamiliar event
How to respond to a well-meant blessing when you are not religious
How to tell someone you prefer not to be introduced by your background
How to explain that a cultural question feels like a stereotype
How to tell a volunteer organiser you are stepping down
How to tell a club organiser you cannot attend regularly
How to decline an extra volunteer shift
How to tell a hobby partner you want to practise at a different pace
How to ask someone to explain the rules of a group activity
How to give a teammate constructive feedback respectfully
How to ask a volunteer team to clarify your responsibilities
How to tell an organiser you need a break from volunteering
How to tell a group you cannot contribute money to a project
How to ask permission before sharing photos from a community event
How to ask a club leader to make space for quieter members
How to decline being nominated for a committee role
How to ask a group to choose an accessible meeting place
How to tell someone you are not comfortable competing
How to respond when a teammate blames you for a loss
How to ask a community organiser to explain a change of plans
How to tell a club you are leaving because your interests have changed
Community and hobbies. Clubs, volunteering and shared interests.