Being decisive can be tough, especially when you’re caught between conflicting opinions or are in complicated situations.
It’s tempting to stay neutral, but sometimes sitting on the fence can be a bit of a cop-out. You should be able to not only form definite opinions but share them with other people, even if they don’t agree. If you say any of these things on a regular basis, you’re clearly ambivalent and refusing to pick a side.
1. “I can see both sides of the argument.”
While it’s good to consider different perspectives, constantly emphasising that you understand both sides without actually picking one can be a way of avoiding commitment. It’s fine to acknowledge multiple POVs, but at some point, you may need to decide which one you align with more strongly.
2. “I don’t really have an opinion on that.”
Sometimes we genuinely don’t have strong feelings about a topic, but if you say this a lot, especially about issues that affect you, it might be a sign you’re avoiding potential drama or responsibility that comes with having an opinion.
3. “Let’s just wait and see what happens.”
Taking a wait-and-see approach can be wise in some situations, but overusing this phrase might prove you’re hesitant to take action or make decisions. Sometimes, waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities or allow problems to grow larger.
4. “I’m sure it will all work out in the end.”
Optimism is great, but this can sometimes be used as a way to avoid addressing issues head-on. It sends the message that you’re passive and that you’ll never actively work towards a solution or take a stance on a problem.
5. “It’s not really my place to say.”
While it’s important to respect people’s boundaries, saying this all the time is akin to avoiding responsibility or shying away from sharing your input. There are times when your perspective or expertise is actually needed and welcomed, you know!
6. “I’ll go with whatever everyone else wants.”
Being agreeable is nice, but constantly deferring to other people’s preferences can mean you’re not asserting your own needs or opinions. It’s okay to have and express preferences, even if they differ from the group’s.
7. “It’s complicated.”
Of course, there are lots of things in life that are complex, but overusing this without further explanation can be a way of avoiding deeper engagement with an issue. It tells people that you’re not interested in (or are incapable of) dealing with nuance or being decisive.
8. “I’m not sure how I feel about that yet.”
Source: Unsplash It’s perfectly fine to need time to process information or form an opinion. However, if you say this repeatedly about the same issues, it might be a sign you’re avoiding committing to a viewpoint.
9. “There are pros and cons to both options.”
Source: Unsplash Weighing pros and cons is an important part of decision-making, but if you’re constantly stuck at this stage without moving forward, you might be using this as a way to avoid making a choice. At some point, you need to decide which pros outweigh which cons.
10. “I’d rather not get involved.”
Sometimes it’s smart to stay out of certain situations, but if this is your go-to response for many issues, you might be missing out on opportunities to make a difference or stand up for what you believe in.
11. “It depends on how you look at it.”
Acknowledging different perspectives is important, but overusing this without offering your own view can be a way of avoiding taking a stance. It’s okay to validate different viewpoints while still forming your own opinion.
12. “I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
Taking time to consider decisions is sensible, but if you regularly say this without actually following up, it might be a tactic to avoid making choices or confronting issues. Make sure you’re genuinely reflecting and not just postponing indefinitely.
13. “I don’t want to rock the boat.”
Source: Unsplash Keeping the peace is admirable, but always prioritising it over expressing your true thoughts or addressing problems can lead to resentment and unresolved issues. Sometimes, a little boat-rocking is necessary for positive change.
14. “I’m just playing devil’s advocate.”
Source: Unsplash Exploring contrary positions can be useful in discussions, but constantly playing devil’s advocate without ever revealing your actual stance can be a way of avoiding commitment to any particular viewpoint.
15. “It’s not black and white.”
Source: Unsplash While many issues do have nuances, always emphasising this without offering any conclusions can be a way of avoiding taking a position. It’s possible to acknowledge complexity while still forming and expressing opinions.
16. “I’ll support whatever decision is made.”
Source: Unsplash Being supportive is a good thing, but always deferring to other people’s decisions without input can mean you’re not contributing your perspective, which could add a lot of value to the discussion. Your thoughts and preferences matter too.
17. “I don’t like to take sides.”
Source: Unsplash Neutrality can be important in some situations, but consistently refusing to take sides might mean you’re avoiding potential conflict or responsibility that comes with having a stance. Sometimes, it’s important to stand up for what you believe is right.
18. “Let’s just agree to disagree.”
Source: Unsplash This can be useful to end unproductive arguments, but overusing it might points to an unwillingness to engage in meaningful debate or to challenge your own views. Sometimes, pushing through disagreement can lead to better understanding or solutions.
