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?
It’s kind of the same issue as people not liking it when you correct a mistake they are making even if you think it might be helpful for them. Usually the thing I have to remind myself is that if they don’t ask they probably don’t care so I would probably just avoid sharing my thoughts. Only when I know / trust someone well am I likely to share opinions more freely. I guess maybe this counts as masking but it’s kind of like a ‘live and let live’ kind of thing.