When someone offers me criticism and I feel it is justified I like to thank them but it sometimes appears that sincerity comes over as sarcasm and matters get worse. Is it just me or is the world changing so that saying thank you to someone for pointing out a flaw in my character is misunderstood as some hooded scaly being cheeky?
2007-03-22 01:40:31 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Some people do not use the words please and thank you as part of their normal vocabulary, so they are very often surprised when other people do use those words. I agree with you that thanks can be given to somebody providing constructive criticism or feedback. It may be that they are not being honest in their criticism so perhaps this is why they perceive the thanks as being sarcastic or misunderstood. I applaud your manners - good manners and being polite do not cost anything, but are unfortunately in short supply today. Thank you for a good question.
2007-03-22 01:49:59 · answer #1 · answered by Beanbag 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think people are over cynical these days. It could just be that they don't know how to react to your reaction because they expected a different one.
It also depends on why they pointed out the flaw. If they did so to help you out then they should be cool with your thanks and maybe just a little flumoxed by your reply.
If they pointed out the flaw agressively so as to trip you up or make you feel foolish, then you are not giving them the reaction they want which would lead to the situation you describe.
It may also be the manner in which you say thanks. Are you naturally short with words or snappy? You may not mean it but it might be how it's perceived.
2007-03-22 08:51:49 · answer #2 · answered by Timothy S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of these people are probably just saying it to be mean. They may get pleasure out of making you feel like dirt. It makes them mad when you don't let them.
Or, they could be just so used to people being offended when they point out flaws to them that they assume you are being sarcastic. It's a lose-lose situation, isn't it?
2007-03-22 09:56:42 · answer #3 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since habitually pointing out people's character flaws is itself a character flaw, it's natural for the people pointing out your flaws to assume that you're pointing out theirs.
2007-03-22 09:00:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think thanking someone is a natural reaction. Usually people get offended and say something rude back. Maybe that's why they think you are mocking/being sarcastic?
2007-03-22 08:49:51 · answer #5 · answered by Noneyabusiness 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the feeling. It's like walking on eggshells, isn't it? Some people are never satisfied.
2007-03-22 08:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by Ginny Jin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some people don't like it because they were not really out for our good when criticising. Others don't like it because we think we are being cheeky and insincere when we offer thanks.
--That Cheeky Lad
2007-03-22 21:34:52 · answer #7 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is easy to have this sound like sarcasm even if it is not.
If not sounding sarcastic, you're just CONFUSING them.
LOL
2007-03-22 11:23:00 · answer #8 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
smile it makes people suspicious ... that's just human nature , guess they don't expect to be thanked for voicing their opinions ...
2007-03-22 08:49:00 · answer #9 · answered by jizzumonkey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no people exspect a mouthful of abuse we have forgotton how to be polite
2007-03-23 10:06:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋