Examples:

· What do you want me to do about it?

· Hey, it’s not my problem. What do you expect me to do about it?

 Explanation:

This phrase CAN be used as a legitimate question provided you are very careful about the tone you use, AND you are really hoping to get an answer, because you don’t know what to do.

However, it’s also used to avoid responsibility for something, and to avoid being involved in finding a solution. In one sense, it can be perceived as a brush off.

You can see this more clearly in the second example.

Relationships don’t work well when one or both people spend their time trying NOT to be part of a solution oriented process. Even if it’s not your responsibility, per se, offering to be part of the solutions is...well, a solution.

 Make It Better:

· I’m really not sure what else I can do with this, and I’d like to help, but I don’t know what to do.

· John, I can’t go down to your workplace to sort this out, but I can talk to you and listen, if that would help.

· I think this is something you need to decide for yourself, but I’d be glad to talk about it with you.