As part of our PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) courses we examine how people speak and interact with each other. We came up with a list of 20 things we think we should all aim to say to each other more often and the reasons behind them.
- Thank You.
Saying thank you to someone makes them feel you – you are in control.
- Excuse me.
It’s good to use manners, this could be you asking for help or helping someone understand your situation.
- Here is a surprise I bought you because you are my friend.
Keep your friends close, and show people you appreciate what they do for you.
- I’m sorry.
Be sorry and mean it, recognise when you are in the wrong and mean it.
- I forgive you.
It’s hard work holding a grudge and remaining angry, giving forgiveness makes life easier – look after yourself.
- You can do it.
You are better than you realise, we are all the same so encourage those around you, if you need support and help those around you then you will get it back.
- I have BBQ sauce on my shirt too.
Don’t judge people on their differences, look at yourself first before commenting on someone else; no one is perfect, we ALL have flaws but it doesn’t mean you should point them out.
Ask for help, manage the situation – you are in control, treat others how you want to be treated
- Everything is going to be OK.
No matter how hard life gets, all problems can be solved; some might just take a bit longer than others.
- Oh you got me a drink too, you shouldn’t have buddy.
Be grateful for the things you have already and the things you receive.
- I don’t know.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, admit you don’t know everything; I can guarantee others around you will feel the same – be brave enough to be the one who speaks up.
- Tell people they are awesome and mean it.
We are all awesome and good at different things, don’t be jealous over other people or their possessions.
- Hello person I have never met before, here is a high 5.
You never know who you will meet in the future, show them how you want to be remember, make a good impression.
- My sports team is not always the best sports team.
Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions, your way is not always the right way, it doesn’t make them wrong.
- Nothing (sometimes that the best thing we can say is nothing)
Listen to others and think before you speak and act, never regret something you have said.
- Say something funny.
Laugh lots, be happy, enjoy life and be young, don’t wish your life away, cherish these moments as being young are some of the best times in your life, don’t look back and wish you had done something differently; all your memories are based on now, so make them good ones.
- I disagree with you but I still like you as a person.
Don’t fall out over silly things; life is too short, keep your friends and family close.
- Sometimes you’ve just got to scream.
It’s OK to be angry in a controlled way, scream while no-one is watching not a somebody.
- Life is tough, but so are you.
Life is a game and it’s up to you how you play it, don’t have regrets.
- Say something nice, anything (if you can’t think of anything nice to say, you’re not thinking hard enough)
Complement others, look for positives in someone who is annoying you, if friends or family are annoying you; remembered why you like them. You are the company you keep – if everyone around you is happy then you will be too