A platitude is a phrase that once meant something — until it was repeated so many times it became hollow. It’s comfort without depth, wisdom without weight. The kind of thing we say when we don’t know what else to say.
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“Time heals all wounds.”
“It is what it is.”
These are the verbal equivalent of a shrug — smooth on the surface, but empty underneath.
Why Platitudes Persist
Platitudes survive because they sound reassuring. They fit neatly into silence. They feel like conversation without requiring effort.
They give us something to offer in moments of discomfort, grief, or uncertainty.
But the truth? A platitude often deflects rather than connects.
It says, “Here’s a tidy answer,” when life is anything but tidy.
The Problem with Platitudes
The real trouble with platitudes is that they can shut people down — especially when someone is hurting.
- Instead of listening, we hand them a slogan.
- Instead of feeling, we rush to fix.
- Instead of being present, we offer pre-packaged wisdom that asks nothing of us.
In moments that deserve silence, tenderness, or truth, the platitude becomes a wall.
What to Say Instead
When someone is struggling, they don’t need a phrase — they need your presence. They need:
- “That sounds really hard.”
- “I don’t have answers, but I’m here.”
- “Tell me more.”
These aren’t clever. They’re real. And real always beats rehearsed.
Platitudes in Our Own Minds
We don’t just say platitudes to others — we say them to ourselves.
“I should be over this by now.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“Just stay positive.”
Sometimes, these inner platitudes are how we avoid our deeper truths. So the invitation is to listen for them — and gently ask: What am I trying not to feel?
Final Thought
A platitude is a shortcut — but meaning takes time.
It asks us to go deeper, to stay present, to say something true even if it’s awkward, quiet, or unfinished.
Because the right words aren’t always perfect — they’re honest. And honesty, even when it trembles, will always land deeper than a polished phrase.