Let’s be real—work can feel like a reality show without the cameras. And no matter how much you love your job (or tolerate it), there’s usually that one person who just makes everything harder than it needs to be.
Maybe they overshare about their dog’s digestive issues before you’ve had coffee. Maybe they nitpick your work like they’re auditioning for Top Critic: Office Edition. Or maybe they just… exist in a way that exhausts you.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A survey found that over 90% of U.S. workers admit there’s at least one co-worker they’d rather avoid. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to get caught up in office drama or be fake-nice to keep things professional. Emotionally intelligent people know how to protect their peace while still keeping it classy.
Here are 11 phrases that help you politely tap out of workplace chaos—without losing your cool, your job, or your sense of humor.
1. “I don’t have the bandwidth to engage further on this.”
This phrase is the modern equivalent of putting up a velvet rope around your mental space.
Say you’re in a meeting, and a colleague insists on taking a small disagreement and turning it into a philosophical debate. Rather than arguing, just use this line. It’s calm, respectful, and signals that you’re prioritizing your energy. Even if you’re not drowning in work, you’re allowed to protect your time.
Use case: When someone tries to pull you into drama, ask endless clarifying questions on something irrelevant, or initiate yet another brainstorming session that should’ve been an email.
2. “I’m not here to bond, I’m here to work.”
Some folks thrive on watercooler chats and lunchroom banter. Others prefer to keep their heads down and just get the job done. If you fall into the latter group, that’s okay.
This phrase is your boundary-setting magic wand. It’s not anti-social—it’s just anti-chaos. Work is work. Your emotional energy is not public property. And if someone tries to guilt-trip you into socializing, this simple statement reminds them that your priorities may look different—and that’s not up for debate.
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3. “I’m choosing peace over pettiness.”
This one may not always be said aloud. Sometimes, it’s more of a personal affirmation to keep you from spiraling.
When you’re on the verge of clapping back at a co-worker’s snide remark or petty behavior, this phrase helps center you. Think of it as a quiet exhale, a reminder that not every battle is worth fighting—especially not the ones where the other person thrives on attention or negativity.
It’s the emotional equivalent of noise-canceling headphones.
4. “I prefer to keep our interactions professional.”
Not every relationship at work needs to blossom into a deep personal connection. And that’s perfectly fine.
This line is useful when someone keeps crossing your boundaries—maybe they’re prying into your personal life, asking too many inappropriate questions, or turning every team call into a gossip session. You’re not obligated to engage.
You can be polite and professional without becoming a fixture in someone else’s life drama.
5. “We don’t see eye to eye, and I’m okay keeping it that way.”
Disagreements are inevitable in any workplace. What matters is how we manage them.
Rather than forcing harmony or pretending everything is okay, this phrase acknowledges the difference—and accepts it. It communicates maturity. You’re not seeking to be right. You’re simply making it clear that the discussion doesn’t need to go any further.
You don’t have to like everyone. But you can respect their right to exist (over there, far from your desk).
6. “I need to get back to work.”
Ah, the classic polite escape route. Simple, effective, and blessedly uncontroversial.
If someone’s long-winded story about their cat’s dietary needs is eating into your deadline, use this. It’s not cold—it’s focused. You’re not dismissing the person; you’re just giving priority to the task that’s keeping food on your table.
Use this especially when emotional boundaries aren’t being respected or when conversations keep looping into chaos.
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7. “I’m not the right person to help you with this.”
If you constantly find yourself being the default helper, this one’s for you.
This line is a gentle way to remove yourself from situations where you’re not responsible—but are being treated like you are. You might not have the expertise, time, or emotional bandwidth. Whatever the reason, redirecting the person to someone better suited (if applicable) is both wise and kind.
Example: When a colleague assumes you’ll jump in to fix a problem just because you did it once—and now it’s your “thing.”
8. “I hear you, but I’d advise bringing this up with…”
Coworkers love a captive audience. But not every venting session should involve you.
This phrase protects you from being drawn into complaints about leadership, gossip, or even hostile chatter that you didn’t ask to hear. Direct them to someone who can actually solve the issue—HR, a supervisor, or literally anyone who isn’t you.
It also helps distance you from blame in case things go sideways.
9. “Sorry, but I have to decline.”
This phrase is a polite version of “no,” and it’s incredibly versatile.
Whether someone invites you to drinks after work (and you’d rather nap in a quiet void) or asks for help with a project you have no time for, this phrase allows you to say no without sounding like a jerk.
You can tack on a brief reason—or not. Your time is yours to manage.
10. “We clearly don’t work well together, and that’s okay.”
This one’s a bit more direct, but sometimes that’s necessary.
If you’ve tried all the graceful exits and peaceful phrases but the tension remains, this line can be your reset button. It’s assertive, not aggressive. You’re naming the problem without hostility.
And sometimes, stating the obvious is the first step toward a more functional working relationship—or at least a less miserable one.
11. “I think we just have different approaches to our work.”
This phrase is soft, neutral, and highly effective.
Instead of accusing someone of being chaotic, lazy, or too intense, you’re simply highlighting a contrast in work style. It opens the door to mutual understanding and subtly signals that collaboration may require more structure or space.
It’s a great way to create breathing room while keeping the tone light.
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The Bigger Picture: Boundaries Are Not Rude—They’re Necessary
While it might feel awkward at first, setting boundaries doesn’t make you unkind. It makes you human. You can care about your job and still protect your energy. You can be respectful and still decline. You can be a team player without becoming everyone’s emotional landfill.
Brilliant employees don’t waste time fighting every personality clash—they learn how to pivot, protect themselves, and speak with clarity.
So the next time someone gets under your skin at work, remember: you don’t have to explode, gossip, or suffer in silence. Just keep a few of these phrases in your pocket—and walk the tightrope of professionalism like the graceful boundary-setting legend you are.
