Try using them in the it! 

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. dislike - to not like someone or something

   Example: I dislike people who are always late.

2. reason - why something happens

   Example: The reason I dislike him is his rude words.

3. behavior - the way someone acts

   Example: His behavior in class annoys me.

4. habit - something someone does often

   Example: Her habit of interrupting others is annoying.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The main reason I dislike this person is...

   used to explain your dislike

   Example: The main reason I dislike this person is that he never listens.

6. What bothers me most about them is...

   used to highlight a specific issue

   Example: What bothers me most about them is their loud voice.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. tolerate - to accept something unpleasant

   Example: I cannot tolerate his constant complaining.

2. annoying - making you feel slightly angry

   Example: Her constant tapping is annoying.

3. personality clash - when two people do not get along

   Example: We have a personality clash.

4. arrogant - behaving in a proud, unpleasant way

   Example: He is arrogant and never admits mistakes.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I find it difficult to deal with this person because...

   used to explain a challenge

   Example: I find it difficult to deal with this person because they always criticize others.

6. The thing that really gets on my nerves is...

   used to express strong annoyance

   Example: The thing that really gets on my nerves is their constant lateness.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. antipathy - a strong feeling of dislike

   Example: I feel antipathy toward him.

2. intolerable - impossible to accept

   Example: His behavior is intolerable.

3. underlying - hidden but important

   Example: The underlying reason is jealousy.

4. provoke - to cause a reaction, often anger

   Example: He provokes me on purpose.

Sentence Patterns:

5. My aversion to this person stems from...

   used to explain the root of dislike

   Example: My aversion to this person stems from their dishonest behavior.

6. What I find most objectionable about them is...

   used to identify the strongest criticism

   Example: What I find most objectionable about them is their lack of respect for others.

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. avoid - to stay away from someone

   Example: I avoid him in the hallway.

2. polite - showing good manners

   Example: I stay polite even when I am angry.

3. ignore - to pay no attention to someone

   Example: I ignore his rude comments.

4. hide - to not show your feelings

   Example: I hide my dislike when I see him.

Sentence Patterns:

5. When I see this person, I usually...

   used to describe your typical reaction

   Example: When I see this person, I usually say hello and leave quickly.

6. I try to... when I have to be around them.

   used to describe your strategy

   Example: I try to stay busy when I have to be around them.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. keep distance - to stay emotionally or physically away

   Example: I keep my distance from him.

2. fake smile - a smile that is not genuine

   Example: I give a fake smile and walk away.

3. minimal interaction - as little communication as possible

   Example: I keep minimal interaction with her.

4. confront - to face a problem directly

   Example: I do not want to confront him about it.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I tend to... rather than... when dealing with this person.

   used to contrast two behaviors

   Example: I tend to stay quiet rather than argue when dealing with this person.

6. My usual approach is to... because...

   used to explain your method

   Example: My usual approach is to be polite but distant because I do not want drama.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. civility - polite behavior

   Example: I maintain civility despite my feelings.

2. avoidance strategy - a plan to stay away

   Example: My avoidance strategy is to arrive late.

3. suppress - to hold back a feeling

   Example: I suppress my annoyance during meetings.

4. passive-aggressive - indirectly expressing anger

   Example: I try not to be passive-aggressive.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I have adopted a strategy of... in order to...

   used to describe a deliberate approach

   Example: I have adopted a strategy of minimal engagement in order to keep peace.

6. While I remain outwardly..., internally I...

   used to contrast outer behavior with inner feelings

   Example: While I remain outwardly polite, internally I feel frustrated.

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. emotion - a strong feeling

   Example: Controlling my emotions is hard.

2. difficult - not easy

   Example: It is difficult to be nice to someone I dislike.

3. angry - feeling strong displeasure

   Example: I feel angry when I see him.

4. hide - to keep something secret

   Example: I hide my anger.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The hardest thing for me is...

   used to identify your main challenge

   Example: The hardest thing for me is pretending to be friendly.

6. I find it difficult to... when...

   used to describe a struggle

   Example: I find it difficult to stay calm when he speaks rudely.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. control - to manage or restrain

   Example: I try to control my facial expressions.

2. tolerance - the ability to accept differences

   Example: My tolerance has limits.

3. fake - not real or genuine

   Example: I hate faking kindness.

4. patience - the ability to wait calmly

   Example: I lose patience quickly with him.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The most challenging aspect is...

   used to describe the hardest part

   Example: The most challenging aspect is hiding my true feelings.

6. What makes it so hard is...

   used to explain why something is difficult

   Example: What makes it so hard is that I have to see him every day.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. emotional regulation - controlling your emotions

   Example: Emotional regulation is a skill I am still learning.

2. cognitive dissonance - mental discomfort from conflicting feelings

   Example: I feel cognitive dissonance when I smile at him.

3. suppress - to hold back

   Example: I suppress my irritation.

4. facade - a false appearance

   Example: I maintain a facade of friendliness.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The greatest difficulty lies in...

   used to pinpoint the core challenge

   Example: The greatest difficulty lies in maintaining professionalism while feeling resentment.

6. I struggle most with the internal conflict between... and...

   used to describe opposing feelings

   Example: I struggle most with the internal conflict between being honest and being polite.

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. attitude - the way you think or feel about something

   Example: I tried to change my attitude toward him.

2. understand - to know why someone acts a certain way

   Example: I try to understand why he is rude.

3. change - to become different

   Example: My feelings have not changed.

4. try - to make an effort

   Example: I tried to be nicer.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I have tried to... but...

   used to describe an attempt and its result

   Example: I have tried to understand him, but it is very hard.

6. What helped me was...

   used to share a positive change

   Example: What helped me was imagining his difficult childhood.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. perspective - a way of looking at things

   Example: Changing my perspective helped a little.

2. empathy - understanding another's feelings

   Example: I tried to show empathy.

3. forgive - to stop feeling angry at someone

   Example: I cannot forgive his actions.

4. compromise - to accept less than you want

   Example: I learned to compromise for group harmony.

Sentence Patterns:

5. Changing my attitude was difficult because...

   used to explain why change is hard

   Example: Changing my attitude was difficult because his behavior did not change.

6. What worked for me was...

   used to share a successful strategy

   Example: What worked for me was focusing on his good qualities.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. reframe - to think about something in a new way

   Example: I tried to reframe his rudeness as insecurity.

2. empathy - understanding others' feelings

   Example: True empathy requires effort.

3. reconciliation - making peace

   Example: Reconciliation seems impossible.

4. self-reflection - thinking about your own behavior

   Example: I used self-reflection to change my view.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I attempted to cultivate a more... attitude by...

   used to describe a deliberate change

   Example: I attempted to cultivate a more compassionate attitude by considering his background.

6. Despite my efforts to..., I found that...

   used to describe a failed attempt

   Example: Despite my efforts to be understanding, I found that his behavior continued to upset me.

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. polite - having good manners

   Example: Being polite is important.

2. distance - space between people

   Example: I keep distance from him.

3. understand - to know someone's reasons

   Example: I try to understand people.

4. realistic - practical and sensible

   Example: Being polite is realistic.

Sentence Patterns:

5. I think... is more realistic because...

   used to express your opinion

   Example: I think being polite is more realistic because you cannot change everyone.

6. Some people say..., but I believe...

   used to contrast two views

   Example: Some people say we should understand everyone, but I believe distance is safer.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. boundaries - limits in relationships

   Example: I set clear boundaries with him.

2. genuine - real and sincere

   Example: It is hard to be genuine with someone I dislike.

3. strategy - a plan

   Example: My strategy is polite distance.

4. harmony - peaceful coexistence

   Example: Harmony is better than conflict.

Sentence Patterns:

5. While politeness maintains..., understanding requires...

   used to contrast two approaches

   Example: While politeness maintains peace, understanding requires time we may not have.

6. In daily life, I find... more practical because...

   used to justify a choice

   Example: In daily life, I find polite distance more practical because it protects my energy.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. superficial civility - surface-level politeness

   Example: Superficial civility feels empty but effective.

2. authentic - real and true

   Example: Authentic understanding is rare.

3. pragmatic - practical and realistic

   Example: A pragmatic approach is to stay polite.

4. emotional labor - the effort of managing feelings

   Example: Understanding someone difficult requires emotional labor.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The tension between... and... is something I negotiate daily.

   used to describe an ongoing balance

   Example: The tension between politeness and honesty is something I negotiate daily.

6. I would argue that... is preferable because...

   used to defend a position

   Example: I would argue that polite distance is preferable because it avoids unnecessary conflict.

Beginner Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. advice - a suggestion

   Example: My advice is to stay calm.

2. tip - a helpful hint

   Example: Here is a tip for you.

3. calm - peaceful and not angry

   Example: Stay calm when he talks.

4. quiet - not speaking much

   Example: Be quiet and polite.

Sentence Patterns:

5. My advice would be to...

   used to give a suggestion

   Example: My advice would be to avoid arguments.

6. I would tell them to...

   used to recommend

   Example: I would tell them to stay polite.

Intermediate Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. strategy - a plan

   Example: My strategy is to limit time with him.

2. perspective - a way of thinking

   Example: Keep a positive perspective.

3. focus - to pay attention to something

   Example: Focus on your work, not on him.

4. boundary - a limit

   Example: Set a clear boundary.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The best tip I can offer is...

   used to give your top advice

   Example: The best tip I can offer is to never argue when you are angry.

6. I would encourage them to...

   used to give supportive advice

   Example: I would encourage them to talk to someone they trust.

Advanced Level

Vocabulary & Phrases:

1. emotional distance - keeping feelings separate

   Example: Emotional distance helps me cope.

2. de-escalate - to make a situation less tense

   Example: Try to de-escalate the conflict.

3. sustainable - long-lasting

   Example: Find a sustainable strategy.

4. self-care - taking care of your own well-being

   Example: Self-care is important when dealing with difficult people.

Sentence Patterns:

5. The single most useful piece of advice I can give is...

   used to give your best recommendation

   Example: The single most useful piece of advice I can give is to prioritize your own peace.

6. What I wish I had known earlier is...

   used to share a lesson

   Example: What I wish I had known earlier is that you cannot change everyone.