5 Phrases to Steer Clear of at Work and Home

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I once knew a woman named Jenna who constantly grumbled about her job, making sure everyone heard her wish to be fired. I took her aside and pointed out that her coworkers might someday be at a company where she wanted to apply, and they might say, “Oh, I remember Jenna—she always talked about wanting to get fired.” Yikes! So, here are five things you should think twice about saying—whether you’re in the office or at home, if you want to keep your relationships intact.

1. Avoid calling someone incompetent.
   At work: Sure, there’s always that one person who struggles, but unless you’re their boss, keep your opinions to yourself. Complaining about them only makes you appear insecure and unkind—definitely not what you want to be known for.
   At home: Never badmouth other parents in front of your kids. Little ones have a knack for repeating things, and you wouldn’t want your child to say, “My mom thinks your dad is so strict!” Talk about awkward!
2. Don’t friend everyone on social media.
   At work: I’ve seen coworkers post the most ridiculous things—complaining about their hangovers or sharing how they’re “working” while really just browsing the web. We’ve all heard horror stories of people getting fired for posting something dumb. Don’t be that person!
   At home: Be cautious about adding your kids’ friends’ parents on Facebook. Gossip spreads quickly, and you don’t want to complicate anything for your kids. You can read more about maintaining boundaries in your social media use at this post.
3. Refrain from coveting someone else’s life.
   At work: If you’re eyeing a colleague’s position, just keep it to yourself. It can create tension, especially for the person whose job you desire. No one wants to be the odd one out.
   At home: Wanting someone else’s spouse or child? Best to keep that to yourself! It’s just plain awkward and will have people dodging you in no time.
4. Skip the talk about your party habits.
   At work: Sharing stories about your wild nights can quickly become gossip fodder. You don’t want to be viewed as someone who can’t handle their responsibilities.
   At home: People can be judgmental about parenting choices, especially when it comes to drinking. It’s really nobody’s business what you do at home to unwind, so keep it private. If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and choices, check out this great resource.
5. Stay away from heated topics like politics or religion.
   At work: While it’s fine to chat about these subjects occasionally, don’t let it become a heated debate. You might unintentionally offend someone, and that’s not a good way to foster teamwork.
   At home: Let your kids know that discussions about religion or politics aren’t appropriate to share with their friends. My partner and I have differing beliefs, and I’ve learned the hard way that kids can misinterpret things—once, my daughter casually told her friends, “My mom hates God.” Yikes! That’s not the message I want to send.

Summary:
Navigating conversations at work and at home requires a bit of finesse. Avoid pointing out others’ incompetence, oversharing on social media, expressing jealousy, discussing drinking habits, and diving into controversial topics like politics or religion. By being mindful of what you say, you can maintain your relationships both professionally and personally.