I've often heard writers say they don't like using colons and semi-colons in dialogue specifically. I don't often see colons and semi-colons in dialogue, but sometimes it just seems like it's by far the best option.
For example:
"I told you: John doesn't work on Mondays."
Is there any real alternative to the colon here? How about a semi-colon?
"Don't worry; I only get drunk on Sundays."
Is the semi-colon ok, or is it awkward in dialogue? Putting a full stop after "Don't worry" seems strange to me.
Or I could expand the sentence:
"I’ll do anything it takes: rehab, counseling, therapy, whatever I need to do.”
What's the difference between using a colon or an em-dash?
"It's an article about all the types of things you hate: the environment, animal rights, veganism, that kind of thing."
Is the colon above okay in dialogue?
How about something like:
"Trust me; the WASPy stuff is nothing in comparison."
Is a semi-colon appropriate above? Once again, it seems strange to me to put a full-stop.
Or:
"Those things I said--I didn't mean a word of them."
Is an em dash appropriate here? I thought you weren't supposed to put a full clause after an em dash if it finishes the sentence? If so, should I use something else like a colon?
How about:
"I know you; that place would haunt you."
Is there another way of doing this?
Thanks so much for any advice! Please note the question is specifically about dialogue.