Top 10 Responses to "Why don't you..."

Hate that phrase, man.

“Why don’t you…” is one of the worst ways to start a sentence, after “Hitler once said…“ It implies what you are about to suggest is the default, and the way the speaker phrases it makes them sound like they are the ultimate authority on changing a tire, defrosting lunch, or solving the Middle East. Even worse when it’s “Why don’t you just…” ‘Just’ makes it sound really simple.

I understand this is a British show some of my audience may remember?

Why don’t you just take two trips with the groceries?

Why don’t you just look to see if the dishwasher light is on before you open it?

Why don’t you just invent the universe before baking an apple pie from scratch?

I can’t tell if this song is a bop or not. LINK

Here are my top 10 responses to “why don’t you—”

1. It’s expensive.

Good lord, is it expensive.

2. I don’t wanna.

“Wanna” is a big driver in my life.

3. Never tried it.

I’ve got blind spots, like everyone else.

4. Didn’t think of it.

I am a dumbass sometimes.

5. Don’t think it’s a good idea.

Tin foil in the microwave never works.

6. That’s an unconvincing argument.

Cite your sources in this house.

7. Nah.

Nah.

8. Seems like more trouble than it’s worth.

Have you tried not trying to solve every little issue?

9. Why should I?

Give me a good reason.

10. Fuck you, that’s why.

I’d prefer not to.

This show I have seen.

There are better ways to phrase it that don’t sound condescending and rude.

“Have you tried?”

A positive suggestion!

“What if we—“

Teamwork!

“…”

That’s the silence that comes with shutting up once in a while. Still working on that one myself.