Bless his / her heart

[Rider77]

In the South and maybe in other areas of country, when one is given a pass by not calling them stupid, folks will describe the outrageous act and follow it with "bless his / her heart". It's kind of one of the heads I win and tales you lose things.

When someone starts with the phrase "with all due respect" you would be well advised to expect to hear something far from respectful.

Then there is the guy who says "I'm not saying you're wrong BUT". Be prepared to hear just how wrong you are.

 

[CallMeKate]

"No offense but..." is on the same level as "with all due respect." Hearing either one pretty much guarantees that you won't be hearing respect and *will* be offended.

I'm not Southern, but my best friend always said something that meant the same as "bless his heart." She said "Aw, God love 'im!"

 

[Rich]

I think along these same lines when someone apologizes with "I'm sorry, but" whatever follows the word "but" will cancel out the apology you just received.

 

[jujube]

"Now, don't take this as criticism..." means you're about to be criticized.

 

[Veronica]

Im sorry that you feel that way.

 

[MarciKS]

Wow. I say so many wrong things I don't even know why i talk to people at all. How many of us never measure up in this rule book of what we can and can't say? Just wow.

 

[Messy]

I think along these same lines when someone apologizes with "I'm sorry, but" whatever follows the word "but" will cancel out the apology you just received.

An English guy made fun of the Dutch. An expat dates a Dutch guy. It's just a skit. He makes some outrageous offensive remark cause he flirts. She gets upset. He says: Okay then I'm sorry. Thank you. Even though I did nothing wrong LOL.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Sadly, I grew up in a world filled with backhanded comments, my older sister is a master of them.

 

[Messy]

-

 

[MACKTEXAS]

It's probably best to just get to the point and don't precede it with anything.