punctuation - Using colons and semi-colons in dialogue


I've often heard writers say they don't like using colons and semi-colons in dialogue specifically and 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 this?



"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.



"I’ll do anything it takes: rehab, counseling, therapy, whatever I need to do.”



Is the colon ok here or is an em-dash better?



"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 ok in dialogue?



"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.



"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?



"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.




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