Playbook

Learn how good replies work, by technique and situation. Every example here is written by our editors and is separate from community votes and rankings.

Technique	Humor	Serious advice
Admit and explain		“This was due yesterday. What happened?”
Apologize first	“Did you really just reply 'k'?”
Ask back	“So... is this a date, or just dinner?”
Ask permission		“Can you read my college essay? Be honest.”
Be specific	“So, what do you do?”	“Your notes are kind of impossible to follow.”
Compliment back	“Wow, you clean up nice!”
Exaggerate	“Wow, you're here early. Did you sleep here?” “How do you work with that many tabs open?”
Leave space		“I don't really want to talk about it.”
Metaphor	“You muted the group chat again, didn't you?”
Own it		“You've been quiet all dinner. Are you upset with us?”
Praise first		“Be honest — does this presentation work?”
Preempt		“You're not going to cancel on me Saturday, are you?”
Reframe	“You're so picky about restaurants.”
Self-deprecate	“No offense, but your cooking is... brave.”
Sidestep	“Must be nice to have a long weekend.” “Mind if I ask what a job like that pays?”
Validate first		“I didn't get the job. I really thought I had it.” “I felt left out when you all made plans without me.”
Yes, and	“Nice weather we're having, huh?”