what does it mean if someone says "...for your own good"?

Question

A friend of mine said to me last night "You have too much attitude for your own good"- which seems to have a negative connotation to me, but another friend of mine once said "you're too hot for your own good." So what does the phrase "...for your own good" even mean?

Answer 1

It is a negative connotation. Whether you are too hot or have too much attitude, either way, is not good for you. Your looks might be great but you are too proud of your looks and that will hurt you.

People have more respect for humble people who do not think they are better than others. For example, my wife is gorgeous, but she says that she is not that attractive. Everyone loves her because she is so humble, yet every guy also has his eye on her.

When you have too much attitude, you have a tendency to annoy or outright hurt other people. Therefor your attitude will put you in a bad situation. It might cause you to hurt a girl and then she will be angry with you. Now your physical and/or mental health may be in danger. That is what the saying refers to.

Take care,
Troy

Answer 2

it depends on what it is attached to....but the general meaning is that whatever is being talked about can be viewed as bad or negative in some way...
If you are "too hot" or you "have too much attitude" for your own good, it means that those things are NOT good for you...


But if you say something like "you need to take this medicine for your own good"---the medicine probably tastes horrible, but the outcome of taking it IS good.

Rick

Answer 3

It's generally, when used in that way, a criticism, meaning that what ever they mention, attitude etc, is bad and thus will affect your 'good' reputation.

Answer 4

It means that it's something that you cannot benefit from it! It is an indirect advice telling you to stop flying high and land to the reality lane of your environment/life!