Sometimes life feels like a series of cliches; and I suppose that's why something becomes cliche. I wonder at what point a "line" becomes a "cliche." There are some that feel relatively new, such as "How's that working for you?" (as a 'smart' reply to someone's not-so-smart behavior). I know I used this one way before Dr. Phil had his own show. But did it take a Dr. Phil to elevate this simple line? No offence to Phil, but I hope not.
It may explain my love for movies with lot's of one-liners that you can re-purpose. Saying it not only demonstrates your social IQ (or inner nerdiness), but can reinforce your connection with someone who also feels the line. And let's face it, a lot of our favorite movies and simply highly quotable. And if that's the measure of a movie, then the Godfather wins. Period.
So here are some personal cliches I say (or think) all the time... maybe they'll catch on... or maybe it will just be a "Michelle-ism":
"I'm high maintenance to be low maintenance" -- my response for anything I do for me (like a manicure, lash extensions, pilates...) to justify this will somehow save me time and energy down the road.
"Life comes at you at an angle" -- my response for being prepared and needing to toss all that preparation to the wayside because what you got is not what you planned for...
"Get a ladder and get over yourself" -- I often have to think this in lieu of saying it outloud.But there is the issues of lines and cliches that annoy the bejesus out of me:
"It is what it is" -- This just doesn't add any value to what's being discussed. It doesn't move it forward and it's about as obvious a statement as it gets. It's a bit of a conversation killer too. Good job.
"God only gives us as much as we can handle" -- In fairness I say this myself, but it never makes you (or anyone) feel better in that moment. It's not comforting and can feel like a cop-out in the whole empathy thing. And, when I'm 'handling' something I may not like Got a whole lot in that minute, so let's not bring him (or her) into the conversation.So my question to anyone actually reading this (or at least to the end of this post), do you have a line you "invented", love or hate? By all means, share.
Michelle
Dark Horse Original
