A Navy at War: Part VII

Often times, someone can tell you what they are really worried about by what they accidentally tell you.

CHINFO has chick problems.

From the usually harmless CHINFO MPTE News Clips - this time from 16 JUL, a little harmless thing; but remember, we are - in theory - a Navy at war.

COMMUNICATION TIPS OF THE DAY:
18 Common Phrases to Avoid in Conversation: Some things should never be
said. Here, how to avoid putting your foot in your mouth - and what to
use instead.

Highlights include:
*Don't Say: "You look tired."
Why: It implies she doesn't look good.
Instead Say: "Is everything OK?" We often blurt the "tired" comment when we get the sense that the other person feels out of sorts. So just ask.

*Don't Say: "Wow, you've lost a ton of weight!"
Why: To a newly trim person, it might give the impression that she used to look unattractive.
Instead Say: "You look fantastic." And leave it at that. If you're curious about how she got so svelte, add, "What's your secret?"

*Don't Say: "You look so good for your age."
Why: Anything with a caveat like this is rude. It's saying, "You look great - compared with other old people. It's amazing you have all your own teeth."
Instead Say: "You look great."

*Don't Say: "That's not my job."
Why: If your superior asks you to do something, it is your job.
Instead Say: "I'm not sure that should be my priority right now." Then
have a conversation with your boss about your responsibilities.

*Don't Say: "This might sound stupid, but..."
Why: Never undermine your ideas by prefacing your remarks with wishy-washy language.
Instead Say: What's on your mind. It reinforces your credibility to present your ideas with confidence.

*Don't Say: "Are you pregnant?"
Why: You ask, she's not, and you feel totally embarrassed for essentially pointing out that she's overweight.
Instead Say: "Hello" or "Great to see you" or "You look great." Anything besides "Are you pregnant?" or "What's the due date?" will do. Save yourself the humiliation and never ask.

*Don't Say: "How could someone as perfect as you still be single?"
Why: A statement like this comes off as a backhanded compliment. What she hears is "What's wrong with you?"
Instead Say: "Seeing anyone?" If she's tight-lipped about her love life,
move on to other topics.

More here.

Somewhere, the warfighter weeps. But ... let's end on a happy note. Byron, Skippy, The Regulars - any additions?

Hat tip OPNAV spy.