15 Things People Say When They’re Just Pretending to Listen
Ever find yourself talking and wondering if the other person is really listening? People often use certain phrases to appear attentive, even when their mind is elsewhere.
Spotting these phrases can help you figure out when someone’s not truly engaged in the conversation.
Yeah, I get it.
When you hear someone say, “Yeah, I get it,” they might not be fully listening. It’s often a quick way to show they’re following along without really processing what you said.
You might notice this phrase comes up when the listener wants to move the conversation along or avoid deeper engagement.
Totally, I hear you.
When someone says, “Totally, I hear you,” it often sounds like they’re fully with you. But sometimes, they’re just using it as a quick way to show they’re listening without really processing everything you said.
You might catch yourself saying it to keep the conversation going or avoid awkward pauses.
That makes sense.
You’ve probably heard this phrase a lot when someone’s nodding along but not fully engaged. Saying “That makes sense” feels like a safe way to show you’re following along, even if you’re not really processing everything.
It’s a quick way to keep the conversation moving without asking too many questions.
Wow, really?
You might say “Wow, really?” when you want to show interest but aren’t fully engaged. It’s a simple phrase that signals you’re listening without needing to add much.
This expression often fills the gaps when your mind drifts, helping keep the conversation going.
I know, right?
When you say “I know, right?” it can sound like you’re agreeing, but sometimes it’s just filler. You might not be fully engaged, just trying to show you’re following along.
This phrase is often used to keep the conversation going without adding much.
Hmm, interesting.
When you say “Hmm, interesting,” it might sound like you’re paying attention. But sometimes, it’s just a way to fill silence without really engaging.
You might use this phrase to seem polite, or to avoid awkward pauses.
Uh-huh, go on.
When you say “Uh-huh, go on,” it can signal that you’re listening. But sometimes, it’s just a way to keep the conversation moving without really focusing.
You might be nodding along while your mind drifts elsewhere.
Right, right.
When someone says “Right, right,” they’re usually trying to show they’re following along. You might notice this phrase popping up when the listener isn’t fully engaged but wants to keep the conversation moving.
It’s a quick way to fill silence without adding much meaning.
I see what you mean.
When someone says, “I see what you mean,” it often sounds like they’re following along. But sometimes, it’s just a polite way to fill space while their mind wanders.
It’s a common phrase people use to seem empathetic or understanding, even if they haven’t completely grasped your point.
That’s crazy!
When someone says, “That’s crazy!” during a conversation, they might not be fully engaged. It’s often a quick way to acknowledge what you said without really processing the details.
You might catch this phrase when the listener is distracted or unsure how to respond.
I understand.
When someone says, “I understand,” but their eyes glaze over or their responses don’t match, they might be pretending to listen. You hear the words, but it feels like they aren’t really connecting with what you’re saying.
Sometimes, people use “I understand” as a quick way to keep the conversation moving without fully paying attention.
For sure
When someone says “For sure,” it often sounds like they’re agreeing, but they might not be fully paying attention. It’s a quick way to signal they’re following along, even if their mind is elsewhere.
You might notice this phrase popping up when someone wants to keep the conversation moving without really engaging.
I had no idea.
When you say “I had no idea,” it often shows you’re trying to appear surprised or engaged. It’s a simple way to respond when you want to keep the conversation going without fully processing everything being said.
You might use it to pause and buy time while pretending to absorb information.
Sounds tough.
When you hear someone say, “Sounds tough,” it might feel like they’re acknowledging your situation. But most of the time, it’s an easy way to respond without really digging deeper.
If you’re the one saying it, be aware it can come off as vague or dismissive.
Tell me more.
You often hear “Tell me more” when someone wants to sound engaged but isn’t fully listening. It’s a simple phrase that gives the illusion of interest without much effort.
You might say it to keep the conversation going or to avoid awkward silence. Sometimes, it signals that you’re not really invested in what’s being said.
Using “Tell me more” can be helpful if you genuinely want to learn more. Just be mindful not to rely on it as a filler when your attention is elsewhere.
