Yes! It is not uncommon to do or say things that someone else would find offensive. The reason is that people come from all walks of life. Different shades and colors, cultures, races, backgrounds, and upbringing. As such, people can be triggered by even the most trivial things and get offended.
Because we are all humans yet with so many differences, you'd be surprised how your choice of words or actions can be provocative sometimes.
Other times, even the context in which you use certain words can be misunderstood. I remember jokingly saying to someone, “That's mean.” Because he kept forgetting to help pick up an item from the store for the umpteenth time. He got so mad. He said it meant that I was calling him “wicked and selfish.” I remember just standing there with my mouth agape and not knowing what to say. I was dumbstruck that he thought that way.
In that instance, I put myself in his shoes. This person felt insulted because of what he thought I meant. So I apologized before I made him understand that in that context, “That's so mean” was just a way of calling him out because he kept forgetting.
When you are a conscious person, dealing with people can be a little tasking sometimes. This happens because you are emotionally and socially intelligent. You know the right things to say. You know when to catch/throw a banter and when to call it quits. You know when subtle insults are being disguised as compliments. You can tell a snide comment from secret admiration. You feel genuine conversations. You see when a smile reaches the eyes and soul of a person. You can quickly catch the slightest change in the attitude and body language of a person. You pay attention to all of these things because you want to relate amicably with people. You do not want to bag bad blood or step on toes.
However, there is only so much you can do before the next person is offended because you are breathing. You are not going to walk on eggshells all your life because no matter what you say or do, however real or sugar-coated it is, there will always be that one person who gets offended.
So in all of these, I ask myself, “Honey, what would you never apologize for saying or doing?”. The answer is as clear as a blue sky on a summer day.
I will never apologize for saying the truth and doing the right thing. I am not going to apologize for standing up for myself.
Just like music is a universal language. The truth is one undiluted fact recognized around the world.
The truth can often be a bitter pill to swallow for some people. When you speak it to them, it is like pouring salt on an earthworm. They get so annoyed and irritated. Then they pick offense. I will never be caught massaging the ego of such people by apologizing because they are afraid to face the truth.
The same goes for doing what is right. I do not care if the whole world is against me. As long as I feel in my heart that it is the right thing to do, I do not mind if certain people get offended. I'd be doing right by humanity and that's enough reason for me.
Lastly, I will always stand up for myself unapologetically. Some people think that they were put on this earth to ridicule and put others down. When you eventually call their bluff and stand up to them, they get offended. I find such acts disgusting and I do not hesitate to put those kinds of people in their place. And honestly, it feels good. Hehe!
Now I feel like I'm ranting. Lol. If you've endured my post this far, then thank you for coming to my little TED talk. Goodbye!
This post is my response to @kenechukwu97's prompt on the thinkers' Corner 2/3 contest. Follow the link to know. There is still ample time to join the contest.