Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyCakeDC View Post
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.