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It's not the word "what" that's rude. It's just saying What? as you entire response. And as you can see, Pardon? or I beg your pardon? aren't much better. They make the other person do all the w …

First, you need to know the origins of the phrase. It is the opposite of "politically incorrect". 20 years ago, we didn't tell people "be politically correct" we told them "don't be politically incorr …

Why are you trying to protect them from not understanding? Why are other people suggesting all kinds of patronizing pre-screening questions? I would never ask something as specific as "what theorem di …

You didn't ask your coworker to stop wasting water. You insisted. You physically intruded into his space (in the bathroom, where most of us are much more sensitive about that) and turned the water off …

I don't know the culture in which you and your acquaintance live, but I would interpret all these actions precisely the opposite of how you are interpreting them. If someone moved back to my city and …

When someone heads out to smoke, they often announce it or extend a general invitation: Time for a smoke. You coming? You are not restricted to "yes" and "no" when you reply to one of these. Try …

This is awfully broad. There are basically three approaches: choose a schedule (on your own or in consultation with the group), announce it well in advance, and expect people to schedule around it. …

When you include even after I told you not to do that? in your question, you are asserting that the expected norm is "I tell you not to do it, you stop doing it." Your question will be interpret …

Not by ceasing all politeness and happiness to everyone, but as you did before, by directly saying you're not interested. …

Here is one strategy that might work. You're a nice person, so play with anyone who asks. But, after a game where one person was clearly outmatched, on the advanced day, talk to them afterwards and sa …

There's nothing wrong with asking him to send it to you. If you have not yet replied to the picture he sent, you could do something like this: Oh wow, I am really thrilled to hear that and thank y …

People often give me praise that I think contains a kernel of putting themselves down. For example, on hearing about something I have done "oh, you must be really smart!". Because I hear "not like me" …

I have tried the following things, each with some success. Refuse to get off the phone or answer "is there anything further I can help you with today" until I am transferred to a supervisor Hang up …

You need multiple strategies here. First, be more precise about your job. "I work in the space industry" naturally makes people think you're an astronaut or a rocket scientist. "I'm in professional …

Actually, "I tried to program and I can't" is not destroying themselves. It's at most a mild put-down of themselves, though that is not how they intend it. What they are trying to say is "I am pretty …