I talk to a lot of people as a pastor and it’s almost always a pleasure. However, I can usually tell when a conversation isn’t going to go so well when it begins with any of the following phrases.
1. “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but …”
Interpretation: “I actually know that I’m going to be rude, but maybe it won’t be as painful if I smile the entire time.”
2. “I know you are really busy, but …”
Interpretation: “Nothing on your schedule is as important as what I’m about to say. Cancel whatever is next, because I am taking this slot.”
3. “This is going to sound weird, but …”
Interpretation: “I have rehearsed this over and over, but I still sound weird, even to myself. However, even my own weirdness will not prevent me from sharing this with you.”
4. “You probably already know this, but …”
Interpretation: “You think you know, but I really have more insight and you need to hear it from me to get the facts straight. This is gossip, but I am going to present it as a prayer request.”
And finally, one of my all-time favs:
5. “I forgive you even though you did not know you hurt me.”
Interpretation: You made me mad, I realized I was wrong, but I still want you to know you made me mad, even though you did nothing wrong. Do you feel better now?
Thanks for letting me have some fun. People are mostly great, even when they stumble with words. What are some of your favorite, but awkward, conversation starters?
April 2, 2012 at 1:27 pm
1. You don’t know me but…
2. God told me that you…..(not always bad, but..)
3. You’re not going to believe this, but…..
April 2, 2012 at 1:36 pm
I’m going to tell you something, but you can’t tell your husband.
THEN DON’T TELL ME!
April 2, 2012 at 1:58 pm
“You know I love you, right?” i.e. “Brace yourself–I’m about to tell you what’s wrong with you.”
April 2, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Wow, you look really tired. ie man, you look like crap! 🙂
April 3, 2012 at 10:22 am
“With all due respect…”
Interpretation: I don’t really respect you at all. However, saying that first gives me the freedom to say whatever I want to you now, and you’re not allowed to be upset.
April 6, 2012 at 5:05 pm
“To be perfectly honest with you” is one of my all time fav’s…..really? So does this mean all other statements are only slightly honest?
April 10, 2012 at 9:09 am
“Can I ask you a question?”
“You just did…”
🙂
April 13, 2012 at 8:49 pm
”I know you’re the expert, but…”
In other words, ” Even though you are the expert, I still know better than you.”