Sidebars series: On platitudes
That said…
When they are occasionally necessary in conversation, however, (to be polite enough to answer a generic or overarching question, and likewise polite enough not to provide excruciating detail), a “personal platitude” is just the thing. A go-to catchphrase, customized to your particular situation and style.
My favorite so far was coined by my former principal, VADM Richard, when he was Deputy Commander of USSTRATCOM. In answer to the generic/overarching, “How’s the job going?” It was always, “Well, everyone is deterred.”
Dry, focused and factual. So him.
Additional resources: Platitude reference list.
