Two Ways to See It
You wave at a friend but they don’t wave back.
❌ They ignored me.
✅ They didn’t see me.
The puppy was famished after the long walk. He ran straight to his bowl after they returned home.
very hungry
Before the play your friend says, “Break a leg!”
Good luck
Your class loses the game, but your coach says, “You win some, you lose some.”
It’s normal to win sometimes and lose sometimes.
Your friend sighs loudly while you talk.
They might be tired or bored.
You tell a joke and no one laughs.
❌ They thought it was dumb.
✅ They didn’t get it or are tired.
Even though the problem was complex, we did not give up and solved it together
complicated/difficult
You study all night and tell your friend, “I was burning the midnight oil.”
I stayed up late working hard
You almost didn’t do your homework, but finished late; Mom says, “Better late than never.”
Doing it late is better than not at all.
Someone says, “Nice job…” with an eye-roll.
Sarcasm—they didn’t really mean it.
Your teacher frowns after checking your paper.
❌ She’s mad.
✅ She’s just thinking.
Meeting new people makes the little boy timid. He often hides behind his Mom.
shy/scared
After finishing a hard math page, you say, “That was a piece of cake!”
It was easy
A friend complains about a tiny mistake; you say, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”
Don’t overreact to something small
You tell your score and your friend says, “Must be nice.”
They might be jealous.
Two classmates whisper when you walk by.
❌ They’re talking about me.
✅ They’re planning something else.
After the test, the class felt relieved to be finished.
happy/calm again
You forget your homework again and your teacher says, “You’re on thin ice.”
You’re close to getting in trouble.
Don’t overreact to something small
Keep trying—effort improves skill.
Your teacher says, “Thank you for waiting so patiently,” after you were noisy.
She’s hinting you weren’t patient—gentle sarcasm.
A friend doesn’t sit with you at lunch.
❌ They don’t like me anymore.
✅ They promised to sit with another friend today.
The scientist’s notes were meticulous, describing every tiny detail.
careful/exact
You’ve been nervous, and your friend says, “Don’t let your emotions get the best of you.”
Stay calm; don’t let feelings control you.
Your friend brags but doesn’t help; you reply, “Actions speak louder than words.”
What you do matters more than what you say
A classmate says, “Oh great, another project,” in a flat tone.
They mean the opposite—they’re frustrated, not happy.