People With Unusually Good Judgment Often Say These 11 Phrases In Casual Conversation
vitaly gariev | UnplashWisdom isn't just confidence or self-reflection, though these traits are equally clutch to how a truly wise person lives; it's about balancing emotional intelligence with logical thinking.
Truly wise people often use certain phrases to build thoughtful relationships. By cultivating curiosity, they learn from others and help others feel heard and understood, even in the most casual conversations.
People with unusually good judgment often say these phrases casually:
1. 'Nothing is permanent'
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This too shall pass. By remembering that hardship will pass and emotions are fleeting, people with good judgment experience life very differently from the average person: They're not only better at regulating their emotions, knowing they're not permanent or stuck, but they also navigate life's hardest situations with grace and empathy — from dealing with a loss to experiencing heartbreak.
2. 'I don't know'
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Wise people also use the phrase "I don't know" often, even when it's uncomfortable. By being willing to admit when they don't know something, rather than trying to assert a misguided know-it-all attitude, wise people learn and grow more than the average person. They set themselves up to succeed and reap the social benefits of asking for and receiving help from others — both are good and important.
3. 'I understand where you're coming from'
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Feeling heard is fundamental to nurturing healthy social connections. A PLOS ONE study found that this phrase creates safe spaces for people to bond. By asking people to share more about themselves, their opinions, and their experiences, it helps others feel connected and seen for who they really are. Using this phrase makes the other person feel they have an open forum to share, which helps them be more vulnerable.
4. 'Thank you'
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Experts at Harvard Health Publishing suggest that saying thanks doesn't just boost happiness in the average person; it can also improve mental and physical health. From gratitude journaling to thanking the people you work with to taking time to reflect on how others have helped you in your personal life, you can find joy in the little things and live with gratitude, whatever that means for you.
5. 'I need help'
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Admitting when you need help takes competence and wisdom — you have to be willing to accept that you're not an expert at everything to truly learn and grow. Spoiler alert: Nobody is. This phrase, which wise people use often, embodies that habit. Folks with sound judgment aren't just comfortable making mistakes and seeking advice when they need it; they're motivated by the teaching moments and curiosity that fuel those interactions in the first place.
6. 'We're all learning'
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Curiosity is a fundamental facet of intelligence, according to a study in the Journal of Individual Differences, but the wisest people tend to take it even further. Whether it's striking up conversations with total strangers on the subway or investing in their own niche passions, truly wise people are innately curious, like kittens. Meow.
7. 'Tell me more about that'
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According to psychologist Leon F. Seltzer, PhD, truly wise people tend to listen more than they talk, and they often use this phrase because it opens the floor for others to share their expertise. Learning from others and simply experiencing life through another person's eyes and seeing what that world looks like allows truly wise people to thrive.
8. 'I made a mistake'
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By saying "I made a mistake," truly wise people open themselves up to learning from others, rather than shutting them down or adopting a misguided victim mentality. They're not afraid to try new things, fail at tasks, or take on challenges where mistakes are inevitable; what others see as anxiety-inducing failure is where there's room for massive growth.
9. 'Let me take a second to gather my thoughts'
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The ability to regulate your emotions and compose yourself in stressful situations is a hallmark of a truly wise person. By taking space, as psychology experts suggest, you can become better at regulating your emotions and gather your thoughts before responding impulsively.
According to a University of Waterloo study, emotional regulation and the ability to think logically in stressful situations are typical traits of a wise person; when you tell someone you need to take a moment in a conversation, you're not only advocating for your emotional health; you're also reminding others that you're the type of person who thinks with their head and heart, not just their emotions.
10. 'How are you feeling?'
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A study in Perspectives on Psychological Science found an interesting link between happiness and wisdom: The wiser a person is, the happier they're likely to be, largely because they can form more fulfilling connections with themselves and others. Truly wise people use a phrase like this to connect with the people in their lives. They not only make people feel understood, even in casual chit-chats, but also give them a chance to learn more about who they are as people, too.
11. 'How can I support you?'
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It's possible to "tap into" other people's wisdom, but it's also possible for wise people to share their own knowledge and expertise with others. By asking thoughtful questions and listening with the intent to learn rather than waiting for a chance to speak, wise people use phrases like this to offer genuine support and a helping hand —or whatever else a person may need—even if it's just someone to listen.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies, focusing on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
