Thoughts on a phrase

[celticdragonfly]

I'm thinking today about the phrase "don't take it personally", and why it bugs me.

Nobody has actually used that phrase to me lately. But it's been used on me a lot, I dislike it, and it's gotten to the point where if I think I see it coming I get cranky and defensive.

Thinking it over, really, if someone says that, what they're basically saying is "You shouldn't have feelings, because it's inconvenient for me."

I want to find strategies and answers so I can never let that phrase get used on me again.

Comments

[yesthattom.livejournal.com]

I always feel like responding, "Don't take it personally, but people that use the phrase 'don't take it personally' usually annoy me."

So far I've been good and haven't actually said it.

Another phrase that annoys me is, "not for nothin' but..."