What They Really Mean

"I hate to say it but..." I hear people saying this a lot. Of course, they always finish the sentence. Just imagine if someone were to say "I hate to say it but... No, I'd just hate myself too much for saying that. Next subject."

Ain't gonna happen. Call me cynical, I don't believe that anyone, with the exception of telemarketers, spends a whole lot of time saying things they hate saying. I'm convinced that this sentence lead-in is code. It means something entirely different than what it sounds like on the surface. What is it code for? It's code for "I'm going to say something inconsiderate, mean, or spiteful; please don't think any less of me."

So, next time you hear someone saying "I hate to say it but...", you, knowing the true definition of the phrase, will be well able to interpret.

Until next time,

Jess