Different ways to say Goodnight

Words have the unique power of imparting the biggest impact with the least effort. They have managed to begin and end wars. It is indeed of great importance to use them desirably. Over the years, words have evolved into phrases that can encapsulate an emotion in a few words. Such phrases have an application across the hours in a day, and one such application is to wish someone before their bedtime.

As aforementioned, the incorporation of phrases could contribute to the emotional aspect of the moment, even in a simpler event like going to sleep. However, it is also important to know the tone and words being uttered. If you think that saying “Goodnight” isn’t a big deal, you are wrong. It is a subtle way to express your compassion towards others. Imagine your friend being in a distress and has lost his sleep in the process. As a friend, your embracement ending with a good phrase would make him feel comfortable and may turn the tables in getting him the much-needed rest. Such a situation may not require extravagant words and a simple phrase like “Sleep tight” would do. On the other hand, if you are in a position to be extravagant, you may use a phrase like “Let not the bugs bite you”. At the official meet-ups, you may have to conclude with the simplest of phrases like, “Good night”. Here, the message to be conveyed remains unchanged, but the phrase does the trick. Not to forget that there are several other occasions to use the bedtime phrase. Hence, it is essential to be aware of the different ways to convey a thought.

Ever since we began to civilize, “Goodnight” has always been the phrase used before parting with someone in the later part of dusk. The habit that dates back to the 19th century has stretched across generations due to its simplicity and reduced awkwardness of deliberately parting with someone when not in actual presence. Also, it feels formal and polite while ending any kind of official and unofficial conversation.     

First and foremost, it is crucial to say goodnight, especially when you are in a relationship. A study on relationships says that wishing your counterparts stabilizes their mind and keeps them enthusiastic all day long. A goodnight message from your side to your lonely friend would give him a feel of embracement and plant a much-needed thought of confidence. Profession-wise, it is important to have a good rapport with the authorities. The subtle use of the phrase to your boss and colleagues will add to the professional relationship. At home, saying the bedtime phrase could calm down the pulses and effectively help in sleeping. Most importantly, it improves the intimacy between a parent and a kid as it is a form of conversation which does not let the child feel lonely. Not only that, saying goodnight to any person of any stature would feel positive while ending a conversation with you.  

When and Where should we say goodnight?

As aforementioned, it is good to use a polite phrase like “Good night” at various places, right from your household to your workspace. On the other hand, it is a phrase that has to be used compulsorily under certain circumstances. Let us look at a few of them in the following situations. 

Situation 1: For instance, an event like the conclusion of midnight meet with your client or boss would never be formal or respectful unless you conclude it by saying goodnight. In such cases, decorative terms should essentially be avoided. A simple dialogue like ”Goodnight Boss.” would do. However, the phrase has to be used wisely, depending on the receiver’s mood. If the meeting ends on a good note, saying the phrase will add to the positivity of the conclusion. On the other hand, it is better to avoid the phrase when your receiver is not in a good mood.      

Situation 2: This is a repetitive and complicated case where the relationship is at stake, a conversation between a couple expecting to get married. Being aware that pre-marital relationships are most fragile, concluding a phone call or textual conversation without the subtle farewell may lead to many problems. Cases tend to worsen if even one of the two individuals is sensitive or proactive about the relationship. Here, the use of the phrase is ticky because both formal and extravagant speech would do depending upon the mood of the speakers.

Situation 3: A conversation between a parent and a kid is often underrated. It is difficult for a third person to understand the feeling of a kid, but a parent can. While revealing the problems faced by their surroundings, the individuals involved in the conversation undergo a large emotional fluctuation. While ending such a complex conversation, it would of great importance to say “Goodnight”. It is a compact phrase that is capable of compensating for the consequences of emotional fluctuations.           

When and Where shouldn’t we say goodnight?

This is a deceptive question with a rather complex answer. Undeniably, we should avoid saying “Goodnight” on several occasions, mainly due to the heat of the moment or the irrelevance of surroundings. The irrelevance also depends on the person who is receiving the phrase.

Situation 1: Imagine yourself in a heated conversation with your colleague over the phone or in-person over a particular issue where the mistake is on the other side. Eventually, the problem will get sorted out through an exchange of apologies. What if it doesn’t?. In that case, it is better to avoid the bedtime phrase at the end of your conversation. If you don’t, you may be catalyzing the issue between yourselves.

Situation 2: This is an outrageous case where the phrase would be uttered to an irrelevant person, shortly a stranger. Imagine yourself in the middle of nowhere with your faulty bike at 11 pm.  A person stops by and puts you back in place. All he would expect is a whole-hearted thanks. A bedtime phrase on his departure could make him feel odd about your behavior with a stranger. On the other hand, a familiar person would feel happy when you say the phrase and may even get closer to you than before.

Situation 3: This is the most common scenario that happens inevitably across nations and generations. An argument between spouses. In such an intense situation where the quarrel takes up to a day to get solved, it is better to avoid saying goodnight if one of the two is not in the mood for casual conversations. As the dispute loses its essence, such phrases can be used without any hesitation.    

Right words at the right place

Right words have to be used at the right place, says an unwritten law. Similarly, it is important to use the right language to the right person at the right spot. For instance, you cannot call your colleague at midnight to chat about your past. With regards to the bedtime phrase, it is not a compulsory element but has a good impact on the conclusion of a conversation. In short, people may not get offended if you do not say goodnight. It may put in a spot of bother if you try to overdo it.

Examples of awkward goodnight messages sent to the wrong persons:

• To the Boss:

• Dream of me until tomorrow.

• Nighty night, boss.

• See you in dreamland.

• Let’s meet in my sleep.

• Rest time for blossoms.

Expected consequences of the above phrases are used:

• To the closer-ones:

• Got to sleep. See you tomorrow.

• Busy.

• Zzzzzzz.

• **no reply**

   

This article has taken a glance at the importance of a small phrase like “Goodnight” and its significance in usage in different circumstances. The difference in perspective reception of the same message has provoked the realization of the fair use of the privilege of speech.