We throw them out there in conversations.  More than likely we are not even conscious that we are saying them because we’ve used the word or phrase so many times.  I suspect the word or phrase is used to fill “dead air,” as we say in radio until the conversation either changes or continues.  It is annoying to hear them but hear them we do.  A sampling…

“Truthfully,”  is an alarm clock for you to replay all your conversations with this person because now you’re finally about to hear the “truth.”

“The thing of the matter is,” both “thing” and “matter” don’t matter much.  Just tell me what you’re thinking.

“Basically,” I have a graduate degree.  I am capable in handling complex thought patterns, including yours.

“At the end of the day,” At the end of this day I’ll not be standing before you but enjoying soft music and a cocktail.

“You hear what I’m saying?” Often thrown into conversations throughout the conversations.  My eyes tell you that I’m listening to what you’re saying.  My hearing may not be great but you’re talking loud enough that that statement need not be sprinkled throughout your long-winded statements.

“When I was your age,” I know, I know.  There was no air, roads or food.  When I am your age, I hope I never make the listener feel less than human.

“It goes without saying,” Boy, this is a waste of my listening time.

“As a believer,” (church folks)  Okay.  I already know that I’m going to hell.  Can we get lunch now?

“It Is What It Is,” (see same blog)

“Actually,” I thought everything we’ve been talking about has been “actual.”  Now we’re finally getting “actual?”

“You’re a priest, so,” Yeah, I know what I am.  I’ve never committed suicide but I do have some thoughts on the matter.

“You haven’t met my wife,” Yeah, but after meeting you I bet I’d like her a lot.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,”  Now you’re talking.