What sounds like ordinary conversation to our parents' generation can be offensive to a young person.
If you've ever seen a teenager's eyebrow rise immediately after an "innocent" comment, and thought, "What was said wrong?", read below.
Ready to replace unintentionally hurtful phrases with genuine ways of communicating? Let's get started.
1. "No offense, but..."
This phrase for young people sounds like "hold on tight, something unpleasant is coming."
Generation Z has grown up on the internet, where these kinds of phrases are preceded by insults, not honest thoughts. When they hear it, they automatically think: "He's going to judge me."
Instead, try a gentler phrase:
“I noticed something…” and then asks, “What do you think?” – Shows curiosity, not superiority.
2. “You are very sensitive.”
For young people, this translates to: “Your feelings don’t matter.”
Sensitivity to them is emotional intelligence, not weakness. When we dismiss feeling, we deny their experience.
Replace with:
"I see this touched you. Could you explain a little bit why?"
Thus the conversation moves from confrontation to conversation.
3. "When I was your age..."
Yes, nostalgia is nice, but in comparison it hurts more than it helps.
Generation Z translates it as: "You have no right to complain, because you haven't been through what I've been through."
Economic realities, technology, and mental health challenges are completely different today.
Instead of comparing times, ask:
"What are the biggest challenges you face today?"
You will learn more and show respect.
4. “This is how the world works.”
We often say it to show: “Accept it and move on.”
But for the younger generation, raised on hashtags for social change, this sounds like surrender, not wisdom.
Try to provide context:
"Here's why the system is built this way and here's where we can intervene to change it."
This way you open doors to new ideas, instead of closing them.
5. “Be a man.”
There are two problems here:
1. The association of strength with manhood is out of fashion for the younger generation.
2. Underestimating empathy, which they see as a path to improving mental health.
Instead, say:
"Take a deep breath, you'll make it."
The same support, without gender bias.
6. “Boys will be boys.”
This phrase, for many young people, is a way to justify inappropriate behavior and avoid responsibility.
Whether it's sexist jokes or violent behavior, Generation Z demands standards that apply to everyone.
Change it to:
"Everyone should behave with respect."
Clear, fair, for everyone.
