Thread: Epic overuse/misuse of words

I had this boss who would begin his sentences with "Now......" and then go into his instruction. I hated that guy. And I hate when people begin instructions to me with "Now..." with the index finger raised.

I also hate when someone says to me "Let me buy you a drink.". As if I'm a bum off the street with no money. If the guy is an old pal, then yes, beer me. But if I don't know you. And You haven't asked me my name, or introduced yourself first, The I'll respond with "I buy my own drinks". I hate "one up" jerkoffs. Their drink offer sounds tasty and at a great price, but I feel the meta-message is one of "I'm in charge, and you're not".
It's the same at a mutual traffic indecision like a four way stop or holding open a door for me (usually in front of his girlfriend he opened the door for in the first place). I can see the ginuine effort of someone's help, but most times when someone waves me on infront of them at traffic they're saying "I'm in control of the situation, and therefore, you're not. And I'm going to LET you go first.".
Anyone else see my point? Am I alone? I talked it with a pal once and he didn't agree.

No, I think you are in the right. I tend to view the manner in which things are done as well as the reasoning. I seem to respond differently to someone giving me a space in traffic or letting me go ahead of them at a stop if it is a "Go ahead, buddy, I will stall this line of cars for you..." than I will if it's a "C'mon jackass and get out there so I can go!" and a tense wave. And I am as peculiar about someone getting the door for me as I am about people not being polite when I do the same for them. Bit of a double standard, I know, but at least I admit it. How did I get on the topic of manners and traffic? Let's not take this down the path of how badly I feel the need to yell at people and let them know that they should have flashing lights attached to their cars, just so we can all know which direction they plan to take.

Originally Posted by JohnnyCakeDC

I had this boss who would begin his sentences with "Now......" and then go into his instruction. I hated that guy. And I hate when people begin instructions to me with "Now..." with the index finger raised.

I also hate when someone says to me "Let me buy you a drink.". As if I'm a bum off the street with no money. If the guy is an old pal, then yes, beer me. But if I don't know you. And You haven't asked me my name, or introduced yourself first, The I'll respond with "I buy my own drinks". I hate "one up" jerkoffs. Their drink offer sounds tasty and at a great price, but I feel the meta-message is one of "I'm in charge, and you're not".
It's the same at a mutual traffic indecision like a four way stop or holding open a door for me (usually in front of his girlfriend he opened the door for in the first place). I can see the ginuine effort of someone's help, but most times when someone waves me on infront of them at traffic they're saying "I'm in control of the situation, and therefore, you're not. And I'm going to LET you go first.".
Anyone else see my point? Am I alone? I talked it with a pal once and he didn't agree.

To me, this is over-analysis of the situation. But I can see where you're coming from. As one who, "buys drinks" and "directs traffic from the driver's" seat, it's 100% of the time done in good nature and as a courtesy.