In romance, there are certain things that should not be said. At the very least, there are better ways of saying it that many don’t consider.

1. “Do I look fat in this dress?”. This may be a more fun phrase, but some do take it seriously. Unless the guy is a master at conversation, he almost predictably will either insincerely lie, get upset that you even asked it, or bafflingly run away from the answer. Asking the same question but in a different way, can relieve the pressure from men. Having him compare between two dresses, takes the focus back on the goal of finding out what to wear, rather than making it a partial debate about the asker’s own attractiveness.

2. “You need to exercise more.” or “You need a diet.” This is the equivalent of calling the other person fat. Maybe they really have gained a massive amount of weight, which can bother their mate. However, using negatives and telling the other person what they need to do is a recipe for arguments. Try instead, to offer to go for a walk together, sign up for a fitness club together or some other mutual effort. The partner needs to make sure to discuss their own fitness as part of the reason, and how it is a mutual effort at healthiness, not just focusing on the larger partner’s problems.

3. “I think we need a break.” This is the worst of all the commonly said things that leads to misunderstandings and the end of otherwise solid relationships. It is a recipe for disaster, even if it truly meant the partner needs a little space. To many it symbolizes the beginning of a break-up and saying it will almost certainly lead to that falling apart. If a partner need some time apart, then they should just take it. Organize a camping trip, go on a vacation with family, do something without them for a week to recollect thoughts, but let them know they are still valued. Often times the other person will read too far deeply into the “break” and interpret it for a full-scale break-up. If something is causing mistrust or concern, the partner should voice it to the other person, rather than beginning the process of seperating.

By rewording and avoiding using these phrases, many a relationship, engagement, or in some cases, even marriage, could be saved from a premature ending.