What do you say/do when someone says, "don't take this personally, but..?"?

Question

you know by those words that it ain't gonna be good!

Answer 1

usually take it personally

Answer 2

You are absolutely right!
The word "but" cancels the intention of the person telling you not to take it personally... or at least that's what Dr. Phil says.
If someone starts off that way, I would just say, "Well then, don't tell me anything." To me, that's another way of saying, "I'm being nosy and critical and I want to make you feel bad about what you're doing."

Answer 3

Consider my source first and then decide if what this person tells me is worth getting aggitated about. I would also go as far too ask them how would they suggest I take it... Bottom Line:

A good friend/ person would pick other words than that to convet their point/ statement!

Answer 4

Now, That's an internal screeecher.. I mean how could you NOT take it personally? when someone wants to rag on you..
like they are the almighty authority of life and they know it all. I keep trying to remember what i told my kids growing up "one person's opinion , does not a person make".

Answer 5

I would tell them that if they think there is a chance that I might take it personally, then more than likely I will....and then if it's something that I would benefit from, I'd be cool with it...if it insults me, then I would ask them not to take what I say next personally..... but bite me!

Answer 6

I usually wait to hear what they say, and most the time i'm shocked because what they had to tell me didn't really need that kind of introduction.. I end up saying "why would I take that personally?"

Answer 7

through this back at them: do u really think that im not gonna take it personally? stand there for a couple moments and walk away. (if they said something rude or hurtful or mean)

Answer 8

UMMM.................. just go with the flow with things and if it is very bad then i would start tlling them off. but i would try to act mature about the situation but i dont know what ever they say its probably not true or they are jealous. because when i say i say it i really tell the truth but i dont want to hurt anybodys feelings so i say that

Answer 9

i feel safe on P&A. I got zapped from L4. I kind of mentally cringe when someone says that. It's kinda like when someone says, "now this is the truth."

Answer 10

turn around and walk away before they can get any words out nothing better then to let them talk to the back of your head

Answer 11

I usually DO take it personally!