What Are You Really Saying?

I reserve the right to be wrong. The words I will convey may not be one hundred percent the truth in every situation all of the time. However, there is still a small possibility the underline meaning of certain things that people say will be revealed in this commentary. Why people don't always say what they really mean is a mystery but nonetheless it's something to wonder about.

The following are some of the translations for phrases that come up in everyday conversations:

1. You approach a group of people or an individual and ask can you be apart of whatever is going on at the time. The person or person's response with a tight smile and blank expression is, "I guess."

Translation: The answer is really no. The person or persons secretly hopes you don't really decide to join in.

2. Someone starts a conversation with you by saying, "Don't take this the wrong way."

Translation: What I am getting ready to say is going to offend you so brace yourself for the unkind words.

3. Someone says something to you that makes you respond with anger. The person says, "I was joking lighten up."

Translation: It was not a joke but I thought I could get away with saying it to you without your negative reaction.

4. You might want to --------- (fill in blank with whatever you like the preceding words are most important)

Translation: I know you don't like people telling you what to do so I thought I might suggest what you actually should be doing already.

5. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't do that.

Translation: You are getting on my last nerve and I wish you would stop.

6. I'm sorry. This time I promise I will never do it again.

Translation: I really don't understand how much this irritates you so I'll continue to do it until you take drastic measures to make me stop.

7. You see someone you've met before but have not been in contact with since the initial meeting. The person says with nervousness, "Hey I remember you. I misplaced your number but I did think of you."

Translation: This is awkward I hoped I'd never see you again but I'll pretend that I am happy to see you.

8. You look different in your picture. Was it recent?

Translation: The person in the picture looks much better than the person who showed up today.

9. I like you for who you are but when you dress up you look so handsome or much prettier.

Translation: A sense of style is not always your greatest asset.

10. A stranger approaches you and asks, "Don't I know you? Your face looks so familiar."

Translation: I really don't know you but I didn't know how else to spark a conversation with you."

This is a small glimpse into the multiple ranges of conversations that people encounter. Hopefully this article has made you chuckle or raise an eyebrow in agreement of a recognizable inconvenient truth.