Everyone knows someone who can’t loosen up—who takes everything, especially themselves, way too seriously. While confidence and self-assuredness are great qualities, there’s a difference between being confident and too intense. Here are some phrases that women who take themselves too seriously use way too often.
1. “As a Matter of Principle…”
When someone starts with “as a matter of principle,” you know they’re not letting this one go. This phrase often comes up when a person wants to make their stance sound unshakable and grand. It’s as if every little thing needs to carry deep moral significance. Using this phrase over minor issues can make them seem rigid and overly serious about topics that most people would let slide.
2. “I Don’t Have Time for That”
When someone says, “I simply don’t have time for that,” they often add an unnecessary layer of importance to their schedule. It’s not just about being busy—it’s about making their busyness sound superior. This phrase implies that they’re operating at a higher level of productivity than everyone else, giving off the impression that they can’t be bothered with anything trivial or unworthy of their time.
3. “I Take My Work Very Seriously”
We all respect someone dedicated to their job, but adding “very seriously” to this phrase tends to tip it over into pretentious territory. It’s often used to signal that they’re not like the rest of us—they’re fully committed in a way most wouldn’t understand. This level of self-importance in the workplace can feel intense, making it seem like they’re constantly on a mission to prove their professionalism.
4. “It’s Not a Joke to Me”
This phrase often surfaces when someone feels like they’re the only one who truly “gets it.” By stating, “It’s not a joke to me,” they’re positioning themselves as the authority on what’s serious and what’s not. It implies that others don’t understand the gravity of the situation and reinforces the idea that they take things—and themselves—far more seriously than necessary.
5. “I Hold Myself to a High Standard”
This phrase is meant to communicate a sense of integrity, but it often comes across as self-congratulatory. While holding oneself to high standards is admirable, repeatedly reminding others of them can seem like a way to set oneself apart. It can feel like one is placing oneself on a pedestal governed by rules that only the truly serious live by.
6. “I Don’t Do Drama”
People who say, “I don’t do drama,” are often surrounded by it. This phrase is usually delivered in a tone that suggests they’re above trivial conflicts. While they may genuinely dislike drama, stating it like a personal code of honor can feel performative, adding an unnecessary air of self-importance. It’s as if they’re on a mission to announce their own maturity to the world.
7. “I Take My Personal Brand Seriously”
Taking care of your image is one thing, but referring to yourself as a “personal brand” can be intense. This phrase suggests a hyper-awareness of how they’re perceived, to the point of curating their every move. It implies that their every action is carefully crafted, and they’re keenly aware of their public image—an approach that can feel exhausting for everyone involved.
8. “Let’s Keep This Professional”
“Let’s keep this professional” often shuts down casual interactions in favor of a more formal tone. It’s the kind of phrase that might be appropriate in certain workplace situations, but using it often can make them seem uptight. This phrase can make others feel like they have to walk on eggshells as if any levity would be considered a violation of some unspoken code.
9. “I Don’t Have Time for Nonsense”
This phrase might sound like a firm boundary, but it often comes off as dismissive. By saying, “I don’t have time for nonsense,” they’re implying that they’re laser-focused on “important” things and can’t be bothered with anything that doesn’t meet their high standards. It suggests a no-nonsense attitude that might feel intense as if every moment has to serve a significant purpose.
10. “I Consider Myself an Intellectual”
Describing yourself as an “intellectual” can sound a bit condescending. This phrase often carries a weight meant to set one apart from the crowd, as if you exist on a different intellectual plane. Rather than letting one’s intelligence speak for itself, using this phrase can feel like putting up a wall that says, “I’m smarter than you,” which can come off as a bit elitist.
11. “I Have Standards”
We all have standards, but using this phrase frequently can sound like a veiled critique. “I have standards” often implies that others don’t, setting them apart as someone who won’t compromise. It’s a way of signaling their selectiveness and refinement, often in a way that feels judgmental or superior. While standards are great, constantly reminding others of them can feel excessive.
12. “I Don’t Tolerate Foolishness”
The phrase “I don’t tolerate foolishness” often signals a certain level of intolerance for anything deemed frivolous. It implies a seriousness about life that can feel intimidating or even harsh. This approach makes them seem like they expect everyone to operate at the same high level of seriousness they do, which doesn’t always mesh with a light-hearted atmosphere.
13. “I Am Highly Disciplined”
Self-discipline is admirable, but when someone declares, “I am highly disciplined,” it can sound a little over the top. It’s a way of pointing out their self-control, suggesting they operate by a strict set of rules that others may not live by. Constantly mentioning their level of discipline can feel like a subtle way of elevating themselves above those who are “less disciplined.”
14. “I Expect Nothing But the Best”
Setting high expectations is fine, but the phrase “I expect nothing but the best” comes across as a bit intense. It implies that anything less is unacceptable and can make others feel like they’re constantly under scrutiny. This phrase can be intimidating in work or social settings, where they may be perceived as too demanding or inflexible in their pursuit of perfection.