On Being “Busy”

D.C. fashion blogger Alicia Tenise styles the Chicwish Wrapped Gingham Top, Paige

Shop the Post:
 
Gingham Top with a Bow, Selima Optique Amanda Sunglasses, Kendra Scott Tricia Shoulder Duster Ear Jackets in Gold

How to wear a wrap top, gingham top for under 50

kendra scott winter collection, Tricia Shoulder Duster Ear Jackets, taudrey social media plate necklace

paige dark skinny jeans, rebecca minkoff Vanity Saddle Bag

Kendra Scott Alistar Ring Set in Gold

Top: ℅ Chicwish | Jeans: Paige | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Earrings: ℅ Kendra Scott | Rings: ℅ Kendra Scott | Necklace: Taudrey

Can I tell you about a pretty bad habit of mine? Hear me out: you may or may not do this same exact thing as well.

Do your conversations typically go like this when you’re out at a networking event or catching up with old friends?

“How are you?”
“I’ve been busy, but good!”

Busy. BUSY. Y’all, if I had a penny for every time someone in D.C. said they were “busy,” myself included, I would own a penthouse in Logan Circle by now. I’m starting to honestly kick myself every time I state that I’m “busy.” No duh. We’re all type A, go-getters in the District: most of us have full-time jobs, side hustles, social lives, and we try to squeeze some dates in here and there. We’re all maniacs, yes, we have established this.

It doesn’t make for great conversation, IMO. Whenever I say I’m busy, a vision of my “to-do” list pops in my head, and I immediately overwhelm myself. Then I low key start complaining about how stressed out I am. This is not a fun convo to have at happy hour, trust me. No one cares. The person that you’re talking to probably has a million other things going on as well.

There’s a time and place to vent about how “busy” you are, but I’m making a little resolution to myself: I’m trying to never say “I’m busy” at a networking event ever again. But what else do you say when someone asks how you are? I have some ideas:

What to Say In Place Of “I’m Busy”

“I’ve got a lot of cool projects coming up.”

“Business is booming, and I can’t complain!”

“I’m working on a big project now, but I cannot wait until it’s wrapped up so I can Netflix in peace!” 

“I think it’s about time for a vacation — do you have any recommendations?”
(for when you’re extra stressed)

What do you guys think? Do you have any suggestions on what to say other than you’re “busy” while networking with people? 

PHOTOS BY: CARLING ZHOU

Leave a Comment

23 Comments

  1. Jodie Filogomo wrote:

    It’s funny how certain phrases can start to bug you!!
    Those are some great replacements for I’m busy!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  2. Sarah Lindner wrote:

    Love the look girl! Seriously I say BUSY all the time! It always comes out as UGH BUSY! def some good replacement words!

    xoxo
    Sarah Lindner
    http://www.thehouseofsequins.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  3. Dana Mannarino wrote:

    I agree….my line is “You know, the usual, busy with work and the blog.” I love your alternative ideas though, we shouldn’t make being busy sound like a bad thing!

    Pink Champagne Problems

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  4. This is definitely society today. We are all so busy! Love this post! It’s a reminder to turn it into something good instead of stressing yourself out even more. Love this pretty top on you too.

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  5. Maggie wrote:

    Such a wonderful post! I agree with you! And this top is to die for!!

    Maggie
    http://www.polishedclosets.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  6. Ruthie Ridley wrote:

    Yes, this is all we say all the time! I love your perspective. Such a great reminder to change it up! LOVE that top on you!!

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  7. Beautiful top!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  8. Such a great reminder to change the tone, I do that all the time! Such a pretty top on you!

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  9. Abby wrote:

    Love this entire look, especially that top!! Fabulous advice as well, I love hearing specifics about my friends projects and lives when catching up!

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  10. Devina wrote:

    Your blog is sooooo dope! Love this look you really look fantastic. The link to the earrings though is linking to the bag! 🙁

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  11. Melissa wrote:

    I always say…my life is full!! 🙂

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  12. That top is so pretty! Love how you styled it!

    Jamie
    http://treatsandtrendsblog.com/

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  13. Okay this top is a dream!! Love the unique detail!

    Jenna from http://www.visionsofvogue.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  14. Emily Fogarty wrote:

    THIS TOP IS INCREDIBLE. I bow down to you boo. And that hair, I died!

    xox E
    http://thestylehuntblog.com

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  15. kp wrote:

    I love those earrings, they’re so adorable!
    I always say “I’m busy” when people ask how I am. I really like the alternatives that you suggested. Saying “I’m busy” sounds so negative and uninviting. By saying these other things you’re opening up for more conversation!

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  16. Kasey wrote:

    I love this! I’m always saying I’m busy but you are so right- it’s a conversation stopper, because, really, no one cares. I hate when people complain about being busy at work, because I’m convinced I’m busier, as if it’s a competition!

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  17. Jenny wrote:

    Yes, I love this. I always say I’m busy too and it’s such a bad habit.

    Posted 10.27.16 Reply
  18. Steph K wrote:

    Love this wrap top! You look fabulous!

    xO – Steph

    http://www.urbanblonde.com

    Posted 10.28.16 Reply
  19. Mollie Sheperdson wrote:

    I am SO guilty of this! I need to try to change this habit! Love your suggestions!

    xx Mollie
    http://www.astylishsideproject.com

    Posted 10.28.16 Reply
  20. Chanel van Reenen wrote:

    these are great suggestions and that outfit is amazing on you! I love that top!!

    Posted 10.28.16 Reply
  21. Dawn Princess Darnell wrote:

    I love all these recommendations. Hahaha for us momma’s its I never get enough sleep! Hehehe maybe not the best thing to say at a networking mixer. Love the top and your outfit btw!

    Posted 10.28.16 Reply
  22. Melissa Chee wrote:

    That top!!! I love it

    Posted 10.29.16 Reply