When you’re in an argument with someone or simply not seeing eye to eye, it’s easy for any conversation with them to go south quickly. If this is a friend, colleague, or someone else in your social circle you want to remain on good terms with, it’s probably a good idea to smooth things over as much as possible. If you’re not sure how to get there, try one of these phrases to end things on a more positive note.
1. “I see where you’re coming from.”
This phrase is the olive branch in a conversation. It doesn’t mean you agree with everything, but it shows you’re listening and validating their perspective. It’s about empathy, not surrender, and it really opens the door to common ground. People just want to feel heard, according to the Huffington Post—and this ensures they do.
2. “Let’s look at the positive side.”
This isn’t about slapping a happy sticker on a problem — it’s about shifting the focus from what’s going wrong to what can go right. It’s a subtle nudge towards optimism so you can remind the other person that there’s always a silver lining either if neither of you can see it right now.
3. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Honesty, especially when it’s tough, is like gold dust. Saying this acknowledges their courage in being upfront and candid even though they could have sugarcoated things or even outright lied. It creates an atmosphere of mutual respect in which honesty is valued over superficial peacekeeping.
4. “How can we solve this together?”
This question transforms a confrontation into collaboration, which sounds cheesy, sure, but it’s true. You’re not trying to point the finger; you’re trying to find a way to work together to come to a conclusion that works for both of you. It implies partnership and shared responsibility, which is often the first step toward working things out.
5. “I feel really confident that we can overcome this.”
This is your rallying cry. It’s about instilling hope and confidence, and it serves as a reminder that you’re in this together and have the strength to get through tough times. It’s about team spirit, not individual power. Whether or not you consider yourself a lone wolf, there will be times when teamwork is necessary, and you want to make sure you can do it well.
6. “Let’s take a step back and assess.”
Sometimes you need to retreat to advance, according to Joanne Coysh, PhD. Saying this shows that you want to take a pause and have a timeout to cool off and think logically. It’s about viewing the situation from a distance to gain perspective, not about running away from the problem. Once you’re in a clearer headspace, you can come back and try to solve things again.
7. “Can we revisit this with fresh eyes tomorrow?”
Not all battles are won in a day. This phrase is about giving time and space to process and reflect. It’s an invitation to approach the problem with a clear mind, not just in the heat of the moment. It’s definitely possible to overthink things and to start going around in circles. Deciding to come back to it when you’ve had a chance to rest and recharge can really help.
8. “How you’re feeling here is totally valid.”
This phrase is a powerful acknowledgment that what they’re feeling isn’t overreaction or trivial. It’s about creating a safe space where feelings aren’t judged but understood. This validation can break down defenses and encourage more open communication. It tells them they’re heard, not just listened to, and their emotions are an important part of the conversation.
9. “Thanks for bringing this to my attention.”
This response is about showing your appreciation and being open to feedback. It’s an antidote to defensiveness. By thanking them, you’re showing respect for their perspective and acknowledging that their concerns are important, which can help turn a potential conflict into a constructive dialogue. It’s an invitation to work together to address issues rather than brushing them under the rug.
10. “What’s our common ground here?”
Trying to meet each other halfway shifts the focus from what’s tearing you apart to what brings you together. Instead of being confrontational, you’re showing you want to work together. It’s about finding those shared values or goals that can serve as a foundation to rebuild the conversation. By identifying common ground, you create a sense of unity, which makes it way easier to navigate through the rough patches together.
11. “Let’s focus on what we can actually do to make progress here.”
This is a call to action that steers the conversation towards an outcome that’s more constructive and positive. By focusing on actionable steps, you avoid the trap of wallowing in the problem. You’re creating a game plan and breaking down the issue into manageable parts that can be tackled piece by piece. It’s a way to bring clarity and direction to a situation that might feel overwhelming.
12. “Can you help me understand your point better?”
As long as you’re not saying this sarcastically, this shows a genuine desire to understand the other person’s perspective. It shows that you’re humble and open to learning something new, which is a good thing. Asking for clarification not only shows that you care about what they’re saying, but it also gives them a chance to express themselves more clearly. As a result, you’ll understand each other way better.
13. “We’re in this together.”
This serves as a reminder that you’re not enemies — you’re teammates. It’s about sharing the burden of the problem and the responsibility of finding a solution. By confirming and reminding them that you’re in it together, you strengthen the bond and encourage a more cooperative approach to the situation.
14. “I value your input.”
Recognizing someone’s contribution is like giving them a verbal pat on the back. It shows that you respect their thoughts and consider them important. Acknowledging that can boost their confidence and willingness to engage. It tells them that their opinions are not only welcomed but also important. It’s an invitation for open and honest dialogue.
15. “Let’s turn this challenge into an opportunity.”
This phrase is about redefining the narrative. It’s turning a setback into a setup for something greater. It’s about adopting a growth mindset where challenges are seen as chances to learn and improve. By framing problems as opportunities, it encourages a more positive and proactive approach. It’s a way to inspire resilience and creativity in tackling problems.
16. “We’ve got this.”
This is your cheerleading chant in the face of adversity. It’s a confidence booster as well as a declaration of your willingness to work as a team to get the job done. It’s about instilling belief in your collective strength to handle whatever comes your way. This phrase is about encouragement and solidarity, reminding everyone involved that together, you are more than capable of overcoming the challenge at hand.
