It’s easy for an argument to get out of hand. The opposing side won’t let you finish, and neither of you can hear over all of the yelling. This is why it’s imperative that you have a few Maya Angelou quotes in your back pocket. Everybody knows that a truth-bomb from Dr. Angelou is the nuclear option in any disagreement. Who could argue with her resilient wisdom? Here are some quotes you should have in your tool belt for when you go into conversational battle:
“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
This quote is perfect to set your friend straight when she’s dating some loser guy who only sees her as a booty call. It exudes worldly confidence, and will make her rethink her situation with that guy for sure. She’ll see you as a wise friend who’s always right, and she’ll never know you really were fucking him the whole time as she suspected.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
This inspiring quote is so exact, precise and clear and perfect to throw down when your husband just won’t take out the goddamn trash. Is there something wrong with his hands? Does he like garbage? This marriage will not work unless he does LITERALLY ANYTHING.
“Don’t bring negative to my door.”
This quote is most effective with one finger up – your choice as to which finger. This is the perfect phrase to use when you’re confronted by your roommate about why you use so much toilet paper. She can take that negative and flush it!
“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”
Perfect for when your friends call you out for not showing up to Jennifer’s dry wedding. You are worthy of good things, like a white wine with an ice cube in it. It was a friggen outdoor wedding; how were you supposed to survive that sober? Once you’ve been on your own side, you can stand up for Christi, who also skipped the wedding to get wasted with you at Applebee’s. Be an advocate for yourself and others like you!
“Bitterness is cancer – it eats upon the host. It doesn’t do anything to the object of its displeasure.”
A great quote to use when your coworker calls you out on using her organic low-fat mayonnaise. Yes, you know it’s expensive, and yes, you know it’s really hard to find, but your turkey sandwich was drier than the Mojave Desert and she just needs to GET OVER IT. Tell HR you were the object of her displeasure, just to keep a paper trail.
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
A great quote to use on your friend Bethany, who won’t stop talking about how the L train has such poor service. We know, Bethany, we all have to use it. Maybe if she’d learn how to download podcasts she’d survive it like the rest of East Williamsburg.
So the next time you have an argument, be sure keep Dr. Angelou in your back pocket and you’ll be victorious every time. You know why the caged bird sings – it won an argument about whether or not birdseed has gluten!
