I was talking with someone today and realized I did something I do quite often that might be a trait that gets me into trouble: I boldly state my preference for (or against) something.
In this case, it was being tired of classic rock from a lifetime of overexposure. I think I offended the person, but saved it by clarifying that I’m mostly tired that there is a play list of seemingly 100-songs that have been in continual rotation for 50 years.
Anyway, it occurs to me that I’m just stating my preferences and I personally thing that’s fine and normal, but that people get personally offended if you don’t like what they like; which makes no sense to me. It’s like if you don’t like bland food, I’m not going to get offended because I can’t handle anything hotter than black pepper. It doesn’t ultimately mean anything significant.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?
In this case, it’s easy to just say that you would like to listen to something else. You don’t have to justify or explain. Its better if you don’t. Music is a matter of taste. And, yes, if somone presses you for a reason why, saying you’re overexposed is plenty valid.
However, assholes exist. And some people believe that their tastes ought to be universal. Sometimes, you’ll just have to confront the fact that it isn’t about the musical choice at all.