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Q.
So now, Dave, before I sign off for the morning, I have a question for you; something I would like your feedback on. When a person says something that may be hurtful and then says they’re “just kidding,” wouldn’t you think that there is a kernel of truth to their statement? After all, if they said it, they were thinking it, right? Your thoughts?
A.
“Just kidding” typically means “Please forgive me for giving you an opinion that I could just as well have kept silent about or, with a little thought, could have presented more gently and helpfully.”
When you are stung by someone’s Just Kidding, you can chew on the kernel of truth and act upon it if action is called for, but I encourage you to do your best to forgive the person who was insufficiently kind in presenting the opinion.
First incident, forgive.
Second time, turn a cold shoulder.
If it happens again, give this fool a hard kick in the ankle. Just kidding.
♦
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