Whenever you have something hard / uncomfortable / difficult to say to someone–whether it’s to your client, your employee, your web designer, your friend, or your bat shit crazy mother-in-law–the following magic words will get you out of any situation gracefully, looking like a pro. (And commanding respect, too.)

I’m going to have to insist __________________.

I’m going to have to insist on billing you for the additional hours.

I’m going to have to insist on payment before the 1st.

I’m going to have to insist you finish the project as agreed.

I’m going to have to insist on this fabric for the wedding dress. (Ahem, mothers-in-law.)

I’m going to have to insist you carry my luggage. (You never know?)

I’m going to have to insist on weekly updates.

I’m going to have to insist we do things according to plan.

I’m going to have to insist on Thai. (Because, NOODLES.)

I’m going to have to insist you let me make this choice on my own.

I’m going to have to insist that it’s a no.

I’m going to have to insist we halt this project.

I’m going to have to insist you wear underwear. (See? Versatile!)

I’m going to have to insist you buy me a drink first.

I’m going to have to insist that it takes 187 licks to actually get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

I’m going to have to insist on slapping you with this fish.

I’m going to have to insist you keep reading this column so we can all stay sane, look way better than we are, and then teach someone else and make it look like it was totally your idea in the first place.