Are you someone who owns your mistakes?
Today, Lindsay and Michelle are sharing casual, natural phrases you can use to admit when you’ve done something wrong without making things dramatic or awkward.
Why This Is a Connection Skill
Lindsay kicks off the episode by forgetting to make dinner reservations.
Her response? “Oh, that’s on me. We’ll have to do takeout.”
Simple. Calm. No drama.
That’s exactly the point.
When you take accountability in a relaxed way, you show self-awareness and keep the connection strong.
Defensiveness, on the other hand, kills connection fast.
The Phrases
These phrases work in both personal and professional situations because as Lindsay and Michelle always say, we don’t become robots the moment we walk into the workplace.
#1: That’s on me
This is the star of the episode. It means “It’s my fault” — but said in a calm, mature, and natural way.
It shows you take responsibility without making a big deal out of it.
Mini-roleplay #1:
Lindsay: The report wasn’t ready for the meeting.
Michelle: I thought the meeting was tomorrow. Oh, that’s on me.
Mini-roleplay #2:
Lindsay: You said you’d call last night.
Michelle: Yeah, that’s on me. I dropped the ball.
Mini-roleplay #3:
Lindsay: Did you lock the door when we left?
Michelle: Oh no, that’s on me. I got distracted by my phone.
One small tip from Lindsay — be careful about always adding a reason after.
If it sounds like an excuse or comes out with a defensive tone, it defeats the purpose of owning the mistake.
#2: My bad
This one is even more casual — best saved for friends and informal situations rather than the workplace.
It’s been around for decades and Lindsay admits she still uses it sometimes.
Mini-roleplay:
Lindsay: Hey, we’re running late.
Michelle: Oh! My bad. I lost track of time.
#3: I messed up
This one is flexible. It can be light and casual, or more serious depending on the situation and tone.
Mini-roleplay:
Lindsay: I think we’re lost.
Michelle: Yeah. I messed up. I took a wrong turn back there.
Even in a serious situation, owning it keeps the conversation from escalating.
The Tone
All three phrases share a similar vibe — relaxed and confident.
That’s what makes them so powerful. Instead of getting defensive or angry, you’re simply saying “Yeah, I did that.”
It lowers the tension immediately and prevents arguments from spiraling.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Lindsay and Michelle using today’s phrases.
This will show you how naturally these expressions come up in everyday life.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are new roommates trying to start their morning with a cup of coffee.
Michelle: Oh my gosh! I think we’re out of coffee again.
Lindsay: Oops! My bad. I forgot to add it to the shopping list.
Michelle: Nah, that’s okay. Shall we grab a coffee on the way to work?
Lindsay: Well, you haven’t showered yet, so I don’t think we have time.
Michelle: Oh, you’re right. That’s on me. I kept hitting snooze on my alarm.
Takeaway
Being able to admit your mistakes builds trust at work, at home, and in friendships.
Phrases like “That’s on me,” “My bad,” and “I messed up” give you a calm, confident way to take responsibility without making things tense or dramatic.
What you do right away when something goes wrong really matters.
You can either let things escalate into a fight or you can own it, keep the connection, and move on.
Check out episode AEE 2557: Can’t Help It? How Imperfection Leads to Connection for more on mistakes and staying connected in English.
Is it easy or hard for you to admit your mistakes and how do you usually handle it?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
